Biden instructed to use oil reserve to help hurricane-stricken areas of U.S.

U.S. President Joe Biden said Thursday that he has directed that the nation’s strategic oil reserve be used as needed to combat fuel shortages in hurricane-stricken areas of the United States.

Speaking at the White House to deal with the aftermath of Hurricane Ida’s impact, he said the Washington administration is “increasing fuel availability and easing pressure on fuel prices across the country.” “I have directed Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm to use every means at her disposal, including the use of the strategic oil reserve, to keep gasoline flowing to gas stations,” the president said.