The White House seeks to avoid increases in gas prices due to the Ukrainian crisis

The White House is discussing with other countries and energy companies how to avoid shortages of gas and other fuels in the event of a Russian invasion of Ukraine, including a temporary increase in production, according to Bloomberg, citing a spokesman.

“We are working with countries and companies to secure supply and mitigate price shocks that are affecting the American people, Europe and the global economy,” White House Deputy Spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters Monday. .

She said the government was in talks “with major gas producers around the world to understand their ability and willingness to temporarily increase production and distribute quantities to European buyers”.

The war in Ukraine could disrupt the flow of gas from Russia to Europe, she admitted. In anticipation of this, he said, “We are discussing with our European allies to coordinate response planning, including how to develop their existing energy reserves. We are working to locate non-Russian gas from North Africa and the Middle East to Asia.” and the USA “.

The Kremlin has repeatedly denied plotting to invade Ukraine, although it has raised about 130,000 troops, as well as tanks, artillery and other equipment, along the border with Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin has demanded that NATO halt its eastward expansion.

The United States has imposed sanctions on several oil-producing rivals, exacerbating restrictions on domestic supplies. Sanctions on parts of Russia’s oil sector have been in effect since Russia annexed Crimea in 2014. Purchases from Iran have been limited since the 1980s and Venezuela came under pressure in 2019.

In the past, State Department officials have worked with OPEC members, such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, to strengthen supply to meet the declining number of countries where sanctions have been imposed.