Oil firms are retaliating after President Joe Biden wrote them a threatening letter demanding that they raise oil output quickly.

Biden demanded that executives at BP, Chevron, Exxon Mobil, Marathon Petroleum, Phillips 66, Shell, and Valero Energy raise output in a letter delivered to them.

Biden threatened to use emergency powers against them if they did not comply with his demands.

“Your companies and others have an opportunity to take immediate actions to increase the supply of gasoline, diesel and other refined products you are producing. My administration is prepared to use all reasonable and appropriate Federal Government tools and emergency authorities to increase refinery capacity and output in the near term, and to ensure that every region of this country is appropriately supplied,” his letter stated.

The corporations were also accused of profiting during a period of war, according to the president. The US, on the other hand, is not at war.

Exxon Mobile said in a statement on Wednesday that it had spent $50 billion on production over the previous five years. They stated that the government is a major factor in the current gas price situation.

The remark implied that the government’s intentions to transition away from oil and gas are deterring oil corporations from investing in the sector.

Chevron anticipates that the Biden administration’s energy strategy would begin to better reflect the significance of tackling record-high gas prices, according to a spokesperson.

“Unfortunately, what we have seen since January 2021 are policies that send a message that the Administration aims to impose obstacles to our industry delivering energy resources the world needs,” the statement continued.

Marathon Petroleum acknowledged that officials received Biden’s letter, but declined to comment further. BP, Phillips 66, Shell, and Valero Energy did not reply to requests for comment.