Biden sent a letter to executives at seven oil production companies — BP, Chevron, Exxon Mobil, Marathon Petroleum, Phillips 66, Shell, and Valero Energy — demanding they increase production.

If they do not comply with his demands, Biden threatened to use “emergency authorities” against them.

“Your companies and others have an opportunity to take immediate actions to increase the supply of gasoline, diesel and other refined product you are producing,” he said. “My administration is prepared to use all reasonable and appropriate Federal Government tools and emergency authorities to increase refinery capacity and output in the near term, and to ensure that every region of this country is appropriately supplied.”

The president also accused the companies of profiteering during a “time of war.” The United States, however, is not at war.