Red Cavaney, president of the American Petroleum Institute, offered U.S. lawmakers an appraisal of ongoing activities in the country’s oil industry, sending Congress a letter Friday (5/23) to explain the curious status for the nation’s gasoline makers.

The president of the Washington, D.C.-based industry group told Congressional leaders that U.S. petroleum companies continue to make adjustments to deal what he referred to as “fluxing and unusual market conditions,” as the country kicks off the summer’s peak driving season.

“The challenge of meeting increased fuel demand follows on the heels of our industry’s successful efforts to keep supplies flowing in the face of the war in Iraq and continued terrorism, as well as the demands of both a harsher winter and political unrest abroad that affected imports of crude oil and other products,” said Cavaney.

According to Cavaney, gasoline production is at a record high for this time of year. At the same time, nationwide inventories of gasoline, both reformulated and conventional, are below average.

The low level of gasoline supply is beginning to show improvements, as the shift by refiners to focus on gasoline production targets the ailing supply situation, said the trade group.

“The challenges before our industry and our nation underscore the need for a new national energy strategy that emphasizes a balanced approach, including greater diversification of oil and natural gas supplies, both here and abroad, as well as increased energy conservation,” said Cavaney.

According to API, the oil and natural gas industry provides the fuel for American life, warming our homes, powering our businesses and giving us the mobility to enjoy this great land.

Combining political lobbying with industry research, API represents more than 400 members involved in all aspects of the oil and natural gas industry. The organization has offices in 27 state capitals in addition to its Washington, D.C. main office.