"If oil ministers are going to begin sending more gas into the market, they cannot do it gradually ? Iowans and the rest of America are already paying the highest gas prices in ten years. They need it now," Grassley said. "It will still take weeks before enough fuel flows into the United States distribution lines to maintain adequate levels. In the meantime, the price of fuel could remain unreasonably high."
Grassley renewed his call on President Clinton to tap the strategic oil reserves to reduce and stabilize the price of fuel. In times of emergency, the President has the authority to tap into the extra reserve.
"The leadership in any country is responsible first and foremost to its citizens," Grassley said in a letter to President Clinton sent yesterday. "I am confident you are fully aware of the strain this places on the financial stability of many American families. It is important that this problem be addressed immediately."