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Relief from The Painful Price of Fuel?

Ouch! The price of oil is sky high, and people around the world are feeling the pinch at the gas pump. As winter draws near, Americans are dreading the cost of heating their homes.

Both gasoline and heating oil are made from crude oil. The price of these fuels depends on how much is available. When the supply is low, sellers charge more.

On September 22, President Bill Clinton announced that the government would increase the U.S. oil supply by releasing 30 million barrels from the big oil reserve stored in caves along the coast of Texas and Louisiana. That oil is kept for emergencies.

"The President wants to help the American people have enough heat in their homes," explained Energy Secretary Bill Richardson.

Many people hope that oil-producing nations will decide to pump more oil from their wells. That won't happen soon. At a meeting in Venezuela last week, leaders of those nations said that they are producing enough oil and that their prices are fair.

Next: By George, It's a Brand New Book!