Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur, issued a statement this past Friday that he is in favor of increasing domestic oil and gas drilling as a means to try and offset the massive energy issues that are currently being faced by the U.S. as a result of failing policies from the current administration in conjunction with the war taking place in Europe.
“Hate to say it, but we need to increase oil & gas output immediately. Extraordinary times demand extraordinary measures,” claimed Musk in a tweet. “Obviously, this would negatively affect Tesla, but sustainable energy solutions simply cannot react instantaneously to make up for Russian oil & gas exports.”
Obviously, this would negatively affect Tesla, but sustainable energy solutions simply cannot react instantaneously to make up for Russian oil & gas exports.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 5, 2022
These comments from Musk crop up as the prices of energy have been a massive problem under Old Uncle Joe, and all along with massive support to cut the imports into the country of Russian oil after Russian President Vladimir Putin made the choice to start his incursion into Ukraine.
“A broad bipartisan majority of Americans think the United States should stop buying Russian oil,” stated Reuters. “Some 80% of Americans – including solid majorities of Republicans and Democrats – support the measure.”
It was also reported by The Wall Street Journal that the U.S. brought in almost 672,000 barrels of oil a day from Russia and that throughout the first year of Biden taking office it is a fact that “U.S. imports of Russian crude hit the highest levels in about a decade.”
When prompted for a response this past week about the possibility that the continued purchase of oil from Russia was in effect “financing the war” taking place in Europe, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki just tried to sweep it under the rug, stating, “it’s only about 10 percent of what we’re importing.”
“I’ve not made any announcement about any decision on that front, but our objective here and our focus is making sure that any step we take maximizes the impact on President Putin and minimizes it on the American people,” stated the press secretary. “And anyone who’s calling for an end to the carveout should be clear that that would rise — raise prices.”
Lukoil, the second-biggest oil company in Russia that hosts well over 100,000 employees and manages to produce a good chunk of the world’s oil supply, has gone on record calling for an end to Putin’s war on Ukraine.
The company released a statement that read:
The Board of Directors of LUKOIL expresses herewith its deepest concerns about the tragic events in Ukraine. Calling for the soonest termination of the armed conflict, we express our sincere empathy for all victims, who are affected by this tragedy. We strongly support a lasting ceasefire and a settlement of problems through serious negotiations and diplomacy.
The company makes every effort to continue its operations in all countries and regions where it is present, committed to its primary mission of a reliable supplier of energy to consumers around the world.
In its activities, LUKOIL aspires to contribute to peace, international relations and humanitarian ties.
“Lukoil shares listed in London have lost roughly 99% of their value following the invasion,” reported CNN. “The oil giant is already facing calls for a boycott in the United States, where there are 230 Lukoil gasoline stations owned by American franchisees.”