Biden blamed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine for higher crude and gasoline prices, while noting prices had fallen 30% from their peak earlier this year. “Families are hurting,” and gasoline prices are squeezing their budgets, he added. Retail gasoline prices have fallen from a high in June, but remain above historical averages, and are a major contributor to inflation. Biden said oil companies should feel more confident about investing in production with the new SPR repurchase pledge, and stop pushing stock buybacks. So you can act now to increase oil production," he said.

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