US President Donald Trump has urged major oil companies to take steps to lower fuel prices, accusing them of profiting heavily from the rise in oil prices during the war with Iran.
Trump particularly criticized Chevron and ExxonMobil, saying they have benefited greatly from rising oil prices after the war affected supplies through the Strait of Hormuz.
He said that, if the conflict with Iran ends, oil prices will fall significantly.
"They've made a lot of money, a lot of money. Chevron a lot, ExxonMobil a lot," Trump declared, demanding that the companies lower prices for consumers.
International Brent crude fell more than 4% to around $84 a barrel on Monday, amid hopes of diplomatic progress in resolving the conflict. However, prices remain higher than before the war began.
According to a recent CBS News poll, about half of Americans say rising fuel prices are causing them financial hardship.
ExxonMobil declined to comment, while Chevron has not yet provided an official response.
According to data from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), the price of crude oil accounts for about 51% of the cost of a liter of fuel, being the main factor affecting the final price for consumers.