[lancebeet]

Blocking them would further increase the global oil price which is probably contrary to the administration's wishes.

[pennomi]

Because the average voter cannot see past the price at the pump. People are remarkably uninformed about how the world works.

[nine_k]

The price at the pump affects not only a voter's commuter car, but also every truck that delivers goods across the US. This may have a much larger knock-on effect.

OTOH the US is the largest oil producer in the world [1]. Theoretically the US could keep domestic prices in check, but that would require rather drastic administrative pressure, likely only legal at wartime.

[1]: https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=61545

[salawat]

It'd also require completely different refineries. Most U.S. oil is Sweet light vs the Heavy stuff we import and refine from overseas.

[orwin]

It's not only that. Oil prices also greatly increase the price of logistics, mining, metallurgy and fertilisers.

[dzhiurgis]

Plastic packaging in food is about to shoot up.

[LeFantome]

The food in plastic packages is about to shoot up

[trhway]

that brings the question - given the amount of media and propaganda, is it a failure or a result of that media and propaganda.

[DrProtic]

What they have to see in this case in your opinion?