WASHINGTON—U.S. President George W. Bush said Wednesday he was "deeply concerned" about record-high gasoline prices.
U.S. gasoline prices are already at record levels above $3.60 a gallon, and the U.S. government predicts that pump prices will hit their summer peak in June at $3.73 a gallon.
"No doubt about it, we are deeply concerned about the high price of gasoline," Bush said after meeting with Republican leaders in the U.S. Congress.
Gasoline prices, which have already pierced $4 a gallon at some service stations in California, New York and Illinois, are a top concern for both the White House and Congress.
Bush called on Congress to pass legislation to encourage refinery construction and open more U.S. acres to oil and natural gas drilling.
Gasoline prices are up 56 cents from a year ago as record-high crude oil prices above $122 a barrel filter through to U.S. drivers.
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