The Bush administration is considering establishing regional
reserves of gasoline, diesel fuel and jet fuel to help avert the
type of shortages that occurred following hurricanes this year,
Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman told reporters Oct 27. But he
rejected the notion the White House was considering a tax on the oil
industry to fund a federal program designed to help poor families
pay winter heating bills.
Bodman said the administration was pondering setting up regional
reserves capable of providing a five-day supply of gasoline, diesel
fuel and jet fuel in case of shortages. "That matter is being
discussed, but it is a very complicated matter," he said. Among the
impediments, Bodman said, were setting up reserves that would
accommodate the various blends of fuels used around the US, and
making sure the stockpiles held fresh fuel, as oil products, unlike
crude, degrade.
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