The decision by the world's oil giants to slash production just weeks before critical elections that could turn on the price of gasoline poses a dilemma for President Biden.
It was seen in Washington as a stab in the back of Vice President Biden, who just three months ago had made Saudi Arabia a pariah.
What should Mr. Biden do about this betrayal? He told reporters that he was disappointed and considering other options. Democrats are fed up with the president's deference to the Saudis and want him to punish Riyadh before the elections.
Tom Malinowski said in an interview that the American military presence in Saudi Arabia should be withdrawn. That would make them pay attention. They should call their bluff. They think they can trade their American partner for a Russian or Chinese partner. They know they can't do that
Schumer said that Saudi Arabia's decision to ally with Putin was a mistake.
He said that Saudi Arabia helped Putin wage his war against Ukraine. The legislative tools are being looked at to best deal with the action.
Mr. Biden didn't give a clue as to how far he would go.
Mr. Biden said that they are looking at alternative sources of oil. He said that they haven't made a decision yet.
The administration held out hope that at the end of the day, the cut in daily production would be less than the goal because some oil producers were not meeting their targets. Biden aides were more focused on counteracting Saudi Arabia's move by releasing more oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and possibly seeking rapprochement with Venezuela.
Limits on the export of petroleum products may be one of the moves the administration is considering. Brian Deese, the president's national economic adviser, told reporters that there are measures that are still being assessed.
Mr. Biden had staked his argument for the election in part on falling gas prices. The price at the pump has been tracked by the White House chief of staff for months as it has fallen, and Democrats felt a renewed sense of hope.
The refinery issues on the West Coast and in the Midwest caused gas prices to go up before the Saudi-led move. Since Monday, demand has increased and stocks have fallen, but the national average is still below its June peak of $5 a gallon.
The production cut was not meant to be a shot at Mr. Biden, according to the Saudis. The Saudis told American officials that they were worried that the price of oil would fall further into the $70s and $60s, making their own energy-dependence unsustainable.
The Biden administration is worried that the real crisis will come in December when a price cap organized by the United States to restrict Russian oil profits goes into effect.
The options Mr. Biden has are limited and carry trade-offs. Since the reserve is at its lowest level in four decades, there is a risk of shortages in case of war or a natural disaster, even though he has already ordered more oil to be released.
He could push for a limit on the exports of fuels that are processed into gasoline and diesel. That would hurt European allies who are trying to wean themselves off Russian energy.
It is possible for the administration to open more federal lands and waters to drilling in order to increase domestic production, but that could cause a backlash among environmentalists.
"They need to loosen regulations, they need to release all those permits sitting on someone's desk for drilling on federal lands, and they need to be allowed to deliver the Canadian oil sands to American consumers." The president needs to encourage investment in the oil business.
More than a million barrels of oil a day could be freed up if sanctions are imposed on Iran and Venezuela. Nuclear talks with Iran have been stagnant and the prospects of a deal with Venezuela are uncertain.
According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, the Biden administration was preparing to scale down sanctions in order to allow Chevron to resume pumping. The White House made it clear that there are no plans to change the sanctions policy.
Mr. Biden did not deny that there was a change towards Venezuela. He said there were a lot of options. We have yet to make a decision. Mr. Biden said, "A lot."
The president defended his decision to travel to Saudi Arabia in July, despite his campaign promise to ostracize the kingdom for the killing of a Saudi journalist.
American officials said at the time that Saudi Arabia and other energy powers would increase production by fall.
Mr. Biden said on Thursday that he wanted to encourage diplomatic relations with Israel while in Saudi Arabia.
The president said the trip wasn't for oil. The trip was about the Middle East and about Israel's position in the world.
He said that it was a disappointment and that there were problems.
The president should go further than expressing disappointment, according to Mr. Malinowski. The removal of American troops and defensive systems from Saudi Arabia was the subject of a bill he introduced.
Since Congress is out of session until the election, the bill was more of a statement than any other thing.
The legislation should be used to push the Saudis. The purpose of the bill is to give him the necessary equipment. Mr. Malinowski hoped he used it. He gambled. This is not how a friend should respond to someone who has put himself out there for them. Maybe they should meet a new group of people.
Natalie Kitroeff gave reporting.
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