Washington: US Energy Secretary Chris Wright announced that 18 million barrels of oil had flowed through the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Wright stated in a press conference, “We have increased the flow of oil out of the Gulf… to record levels right now. About 18 million barrels have flowed out, which is close to pre-conflict levels.”

He further indicated that President Donald Trump’s administration is considering invoking the Defense Production Act to bolster US refining capacity. Wright also noted that a US oil company is set to discuss investment in Venezuela today.