Elon Musk calls for increasing oil and gas output ‘immediately’ in wake of Ukraine invasion
‘Sustainable energy solutions simply cannot react instantaneously to make up for Russian oil & gas exports’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Elon Musk says he supports increasing US oil and gas output in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine despite the “negative” impact it would have on Tesla.
The electric vehicle entrepreneur took to Twitter to say that he supported the move, which could bring down escalating gas prices in America during the current crisis.
And he urged Ukraine to “hold strong” while he gave his “sympathies to the great people of Russia, who do not want this.”
Mr Musk, who has become the world’s richest man by revolutionising the auto industry, admitted that his stance was counterintuitive.
“Hate to say it, but we need to increase oil & gas output immediately. Extraordinary times demand extraordinary measures,” he tweeted on Friday.
“Obviously, this would negatively affect Tesla, but sustainable energy solutions simply cannot react instantaneously to make up for Russian oil & gas exports.”
Gas prices are surging across the US, to their highest level in nearly a decade, with the national average for a gallon of regular gas stood at $3.83 on Friday, the most expensive since 2012.
In California, the state average is now $5.07 per gallon.
Observers say that the increase is being driven by rising oil costs, with the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the sanctions placed on the country increasing fears of supply shortage.
It is the latest in a string of Tweets that the businessman has made this week about the conflict in Europe.
In one the SpaceX boss mocked Russia after the head of its space programme said that the country would not provide the US with rocket engines, and posted a video of his company launching yet another one into orbit.
He has also tweeted advice to Ukraine’s leaders about the best way to keep the internet running in the war-torn country, after activating SpaceX’s satellite internet over it and providing terminals.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments