Biden to call for suspension of federal tax on gasoline source
Biden expected to speak at 1800 GMT

June 22 Reuters Oil prices tumbled by more than 6 a barrel on Wednesday amid a push by U.S. President Joe Biden to cut fuel costs for drivers in the latest episode to aggravate relations between the White House and the U.S. oil industry.

Brent crude futures were down 5.10, or 4.5, to 109.55 a barrel while U.S. West Texas Intermediate WTI futures were down 5.37, or 5.9, at 104.15 as of 0800 GMT.

The contracts earlier hit their lowest levels since May 19 and 12, respectively.

Biden on Wednesday is expected to call for temporarily suspending the 18.4 cents per gallon federal tax on gasoline, a source said, as the United States, the world39;s largest oil consumer, struggles to tackle soaring gasoline prices and inflation. 

The latest in a long line of attempts to temper surging prices at the pumps is having the desired effect. Yet whether this kneejerk reaction will stand the test of time is by no means guaranteed, said PVM39;s Stephen Brennock, pointing to an expected summer demand surge.

Biden is expected to make the announcement at 1800 GMT. On Thursday, seven oil companies are set to meet the president under pressure from the White House to drive down fuel prices as they make record profits.

Chevron CEO Michael Wirth said criticising the oil industry was not the way to bring down fuel prices and that the government had to change its approach. Biden replied…