White House weighs invoking Defense Production Act to expand US oil refining

The White House is considering using the 1950 Defense Production Act to expand US oil refining capacity amid record fuel prices and supply disruption concerns.

• Two sources familiar with the plans said the proposal was raised at a recent meeting between Trump and about 12 refining company officials, with no final decisions taken.
• Refining executives told officials that federal funds would be better spent improving efficiency or expanding existing plants rather than building a new, costlier refinery.
• White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers said expanding refining capacity is a top priority, with officials studying regulatory reform, accelerated permitting, and additional investment.
• US average diesel prices have surpassed $6 per gallon for the first time, while refineries are operating at 98 percent of capacity.