Trump calls on ExxonMobil, Chevron to lower fuel prices — Pajhwok

KABUL (Pajhwok): US President Donald Trump on Monday accused oil giants ExxonMobil and Chevron of making excessive profits from higher fuel prices and called on them to return some of those profits to the public. “I don’t like it,” Trump told reporters, three days after the companies reported strong second-quarter earnings as the ongoing conflict involving Iran kept oil prices elevated, Reuters reported. “Chevron, too much money. ExxonMobil, too much. Too much money,” he said. Trump also called on the companies to lower fuel prices, saying consumers should benefit from lower costs. The remarks marked a notable departure from Trump’s usual close relationship with the oil industry. He has frequently used public criticism to pressure major US companies to change their business practices, including during his first presidential term. Earlier on Monday, Trump criticised Chevron CEO Mike Wirth for failing to credit his administration’s efforts to support the oil industry during an appearance on Fox News. Trump said his administration had helped Chevron return to Venezuela, where the company has operated for more than a century. ExxonMobil and Chevron did not immediately respond to requests for comment, Reuters reported. US petrol prices have risen since hostilities involving the United States, Israel and Iran began, with the national average reaching about $4.10 per gallon, according to Reuters. The American Petroleum Institute…