We can't use our own cheaper crude as gas prices rise

The benchmark for crude oil prices is West Texas Intermediate.

The price of West Texas Crude continues to stay low because our economy is more of a mess than other places and demand for fuel here is weak.

Unfortunately, most of our refineries are set-up to process grades of oil from foreign sources that are normally cheaper than our own crude so the infrastructure isn't in place to pipe and process our own cheaper crude beyond Texas.

Not that it would matter much because refiners are also reducing production to avoid taking losses on gasoline no one will buy. The reduced production causes prices to rise. AP

I will leave you with a chorus of "Drill baby drill !"