Washington, D.C. (NNCNOW.com) - U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar called on the Department of Energy to take action to address the massive spike in gas prices across Minnesota.
After the simultaneous closure of three oil refineries in the Midwest region gas prices have jumped 15% in less than a week, surging to around $4 a gallon at many stations.
In a letter to Energy Secretary Steven Chu, Klobuchar called on the Department of Energy to thoroughly examine the closures and timing of scheduled maintenance operations to prevent future supply shocks that cause gas prices to rise.
“This spike in gas prices is hurting families, businesses and farmers across Minnesota and disrupting commerce,” Klobuchar said. “Scheduled maintenance at refineries should not be allowed to cause such major disruptions in supply. That’s why I have called on the Department of Energy to thoroughly review the closures and the timing of maintenance operations and take action to prevent future supply problems that cause consumers pain at the pump.”
AAA said two of America's largest refineries, BP & Exxon, have shut down as the companies switch from winter to summer-time fuel mixes.
The shutdown could last until the end of June, possibly July 4th.