The Trump administration is seeking to reopen closed oil refineries across the United States, with particular focus on a refinery in the Virgin Islands. This move comes amid sustained high gasoline prices attributed to the ongoing war in Iran.

A White House official confirmed in an email to The Hill on Thursday, July 30th, 2026, that the administration “would like to see refineries across the country reopen, especially the St. Croix refinery.” This refinery is considered strategically important because it was originally built to refine Venezuelan oil and is located in a key position.

Since April 2025, companies have approached the administration expressing interest in purchasing the Virgin Islands refinery. Interest has increased following the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and the U.S. takeover of Venezuela’s infrastructure.

Three industry executives told The Hill that the White House has discussed reopening refineries ranging from the Virgin Islands to California.

White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers stated, “Energy security is national security, and America’s refining capacity is essential to ensuring the United States has continuous access to secure, affordable, and reliable energy.” Rogers added that the President’s National Energy Dominance Council supports reopening shuttered refineries and constructing new ones to lower prices and enhance national security.

The push to reopen refineries follows a 60-day shutdown ordered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the Virgin Islands refinery due to oil releases and air pollution posing an “imminent risk to public health.”

As of July 30th, 2026, the average U.S. gas price was about $4.10 per gallon, according to AAA, which is more than $1 higher than prices before the Iran war began earlier this year.

Sources