ExxonMobil and Chevron Report Record Quarterly Profits Amidst Global Oil Scarcity
ExxonMobil and Chevron reported significant quarterly profits, with ExxonMobil earning $14.5 billion and Chevron earning $12.2 billion. These gains were driven by high crude prices and refining margins despite disruptions caused by the war with Iran and Ukraine's attacks on Russian infrastructure. The Strait of Hormuz has been largely shuttered by the conflict, creating a global shortage of refined fuels like gasoline and diesel. While the users of these fuels feel the impact of higher prices, the administration announced a Justice Department investigation into alleged price gouging. President Trump still aims for gasoline at $2.25 per gallon, though experts note this price was last seen during the pandemic. ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods described windfall taxes proposed by Democrats and European lawmakers as a misguided policy that penalizes successful businesses. Instead of immediate new drilling, the companies are focusing on debt reduction and long-term growth.
Sources
-
Oil companies report sky-high profits thanks to wartime crude prices
NPR
-
Exxon and Chevron's $26.5 Billion Quarter Draws Trump's Ire
Crude Oil Prices Today | OilPrice.com