Biden to Release 1 Million Barrels from Northeast Gasoline Reserve to Tackle Summer Fuel Prices

The Biden administration announced that it would release 1 million barrels of gasoline from the Northeast gasoline reserve in a strategic move to reduce fuel prices during the summer season. 

According to the Energy Department, the gasoline, stored in facilities in New Jersey and Maine, will be distributed in 100,000-barrel increments to foster competitive pricing as it reaches local retailers in time for the July 4 holiday.

This initiative, designed to “lower costs for American families and consumers,” follows a congressional directive to liquidate and ultimately shut down the decade-old reserve. 

This directive was part of a spending agreement passed in March to prevent a government shutdown.

Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm highlighted the administration’s commitment to alleviating fuel expenses, stating, “The Biden-Harris administration is laser-focused on lowering prices at the pump for American families, especially as drivers hit the road for summer driving season.”

Granholm emphasized the release’s strategic timing to ensure adequate fuel supply in the tri-state and Northeast regions during peak demand periods.

Last month, White House National Economic Advisor Lael Brainard noted that the administration is committed to affordable gas prices. 

Recent trends have shown a slight ease in gas prices as oil values declined from their peak in April, which surged amid concerns of potential conflict between Israel and OPEC member Iran.

According to AAA, the national average for gas prices was $3.59 per gallon on Tuesday, marking a slight increase of about 4 cents from last year but showing a reduction compared to the previous month.

Despite the recent drop in gasoline prices, broader inflation continues to pose challenges, causing frustration among consumers.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the release complements President Joe Biden’s broader efforts to “lower gas and energy costs—including historic releases from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and the largest-ever investment in clean energy.”

In 2022, President Biden extensively utilized the Strategic Petroleum Reserve following geopolitical tensions in Ukraine, which stabilized soaring gasoline prices while sparking Republican criticisms of potential political motivations. 

The administration is currently replenishing this reserve, which remains the world’s largest emergency crude oil supply despite being at its lowest level since the 1980s.

The forthcoming sale from the Northeast reserve is scheduled for completion by June 30, ensuring the 42 million gallons of gasoline are efficiently transferred or delivered.

Despite these measures, some experts remain skeptical about the impact on national fuel prices. Patrick De Haan, an analyst from GasBuddy, noted that while there might be “a slight downward pressure on prices” in the Northeast, the overall national effect would be minimal.