Krishnamoorthi Urges Trump to Tap Oil Reserve as His War in Iran Sends Gas Prices Soaring

WASHINGTON - Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08) sent a letter to President Donald Trump urging the administration to immediately release oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to help stabilize energy markets and bring down gas prices as the conflict with Iran disrupts global oil supplies. In the letter, Krishnamoorthi warned that the war is already imposing serious economic costs on American families, farmers, and businesses while the administration has yet to outline a clear strategy for ending the conflict.

"As the conflict escalates, Americans are already facing higher gas prices, disrupted global markets, and billions of dollars in new military spending," Krishnamoorthi wrote. "Therefore, I urge you to immediately tap the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to help stabilize fuel markets and bring down the price of gasoline, in addition to outlining a clear strategy and conditions for ending this conflict."

Oil prices have surged amid the conflict, with disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz pushing costs sharply higher. Krishnamoorthi noted that Americans are already feeling the effects.

"The costs of your war are already hitting Americans at the pump," Krishnamoorthi noted. "Gas prices have risen fifty cents per gallon on average, as Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz-a critical artery for global oil shipments-has disrupted exports and rattled energy markets."

He also noted that previous administrations have tapped the Strategic Petroleum Reserve during global crises to stabilize markets and provide relief to consumers.

"For families already struggling to afford everything from groceries to health insurance, this is not a small price to pay-especially for a war many Americans do not want or see an end in sight," Krishnamoorthi wrote. "Releasing oil from our Strategic Petroleum Reserve, in coordination with allies and partners, would help provide Americans some relief."

Beyond higher fuel costs, Krishnamoorthi warned the conflict could also drive up costs for farmers during the spring planting season as fertilizer shipments through the Strait of Hormuz face disruptions.

He also raised concerns about the growing financial and human toll of the war.

"At the same time, the direct cost of the war itself is mounting rapidly," he wrote. "The American people should not be forced to carry the cost of your decision to go to war."

Krishnamoorthi concluded by urging the administration to explain the war's objectives and outline conditions for ending the conflict.

"The American people deserve a clear explanation of what this war is intended to achieve," Krishnamoorthi wrote. "Without that clarity, the United States risks sliding into another prolonged conflict with mounting economic and human consequences."

The full letter to President Trump is available here.