In a letter to Energy Information Administrator Guy Caruso last month, John Dingell (D-Mich.), chairman of the United States House Energy and Commerce Committee, called for an examination of reduced refinery operations during January and February.

The letter cited EIA data for the week-ended Feb. 1 that showed U.S. refinery output at 84.3 percent of operable capacity. EIA data for the week-ended Feb. 15 showed refinery run rates at 83.5 percent of their capacity, the lowest level recorded for this time of year since 2003.

"As you know, the issue of U.S. refinery capacity has been at the forefront of our deliberations on energy policy for a number of years and has proven to be one of the more controversial and vexing topics we have explored," said Dingell.

Specifically, Dingell is looking to find out if the refinery output reductions were scheduled or unscheduled, if refiners intentionally cut back production and if the cutbacks will increase wholesale and retail fuel prices.