The GuardianThe Guardian
<span>Photograph: Apu Gomes/AFP/Getty Images</span>
Photograph: Apu Gomes/AFP/Getty Images

As the US and its allies try to contain a surge in energy prices caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the de-facto leaders of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have declined to arrange calls with US president Joe Biden.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia and the ruler of the United Arab Emirates were unavailable to Biden after US requests were made for discussions.

There was some expectation of a phone call, but it didn't happen, according to a US official.

The US ban on Russian oil could cause a split in the west.

Despite pleas from the west, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting countries, which includes Russia, did not increase oil production last week.

Reports of frigid communications come as the Biden administration seeks to increase oil supply after banning Russian oil imports on Tuesday, pushing oil prices to $130 a barrel, the highest level in 14 years.

Relations between the US and Saudi Arabia have cooled during the Biden administration.

Issues include the revival of the Iran nuclear deal, lack of US support for Saudi intervention in Yemen, and the legal immunity for Prince Mohammed.

During his election campaign, Biden said that Saudi Arabia was a pariah state because of its lack of social redeeming value.

The White House did not have plans for the president to travel to Riyadh or for Biden and Prince Mohammed to talk soon.

The ambassador to the US of the United Arab Emirates confirmed strained relations between the two countries.

The two Gulf nations have the capacity to pump more oil to ease the price surge.

How important is Russian oil?

Senior US officials with the national security council and state department traveled to Riyadh and Abu Dhabi in recent weeks to make direct US representations.

The Journal reported that Biden had spoken with Prince Mohammed's father on February 9. They affirmed their countries' strategic and economic partnership on the call. Biden and Sheikh Mohammed's call will be changed, according to the ministry of foreign affairs.

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