We’re all boiling over oil

Previously on As the Oil Markets Turn: With average gasoline prices rising above $3.80 a gallon nationally, President Bush travels to Saudi Arabia to ask for more oil.

But the Saudis say they’re already producing plenty and blame the market speculators for the high prices.

Meanwhile, Congress, worried about consumer outrage at the outset of the summer driving season, hauls oil executives to Washington for two days of public lashings.

The oil executives suggest Congress actually do something, like opening more land for domestic drilling, and they get lashed harder. Across America, local TV news crews shoot footage of “real people” filling up their SUVs. Gas prices are too high, the people say. Then they drive off. And drive on.

In tonight’s episode: Oil sets an intraday record above $135 a barrel.

Houston Chronicle