Bush hopes OPEC will raise production

SHARM EL-SHEIK, Egypt – Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah told President Bush he was worried about the impact of high oil prices on the world economy, the White House said Wednesday. After their talks, Bush was hopeful that OPEC would authorize an increase in oil production.

The White House did not say there was any commitment from the king about increasing oil output. The kingdom holds the world’s largest oil supplies and is a major voice in decisions by OPEC.


Worries about the economy and high oil prices have shot to the front of the U.S. presidential campaign. The White House seemed eager to portray Bush as dealing with the politically potent issue as he came under blistering criticism from the campaign trail.

White House press secretary Dana Perino, traveling with the president on Air Force One en route to Egypt, offered a brief description of talks that Bush and the king had after dinner Tuesday night at the monarch’s horse farm.

“He (Bush) said that the king said that he understands the situation,” Perino said. “He (the king) is worried about high oil prices and how they can negatively affect economies around the world.

“The president said there’s a hope that as a result of these conversations that OPEC would be encouraged to authorize an increase in production,” Perino said.

AP