U.S. President Joe Biden demanded oil companies explain why they aren't putting more gasoline on the market, sharply escalating his rhetoric against industry as he faces pressure over rising prices.  Biden wrote to executives from Marathon Petroleum Corp, (MPC.N) Valero Energy Corp, (VLO.N) and Exxon Mobil Corp (XOM.N) and complained they had cut back on oil refining to pad their profits, according to a copy of the letter seen by Reuters.  Biden has been intensifying attacks against oil companies in recent days as U.S. gas prices raced to record highs above $5 per gallon this past weekend and ahead of the summertime driving season.  Rising gas prices have helped drive unexpectedly persistent consumer price inflation and voter anger ahead of the Nov. 8 midterm elections where Biden's Democratic Party is defending its control of Congress.

Oil & Gas Industry Expert // has enjoyed a 40-year career in the oil and gas industry, the last 23 years of which were spent in the public policy arena, managing regulatory and legislative issues for various companiesDAVID BLACKMON joins The WBAP Morning News to discuss.

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