PANews reported on April 1st, citing Politico, that sources close to the White House stated that as the Iran war enters its second month, senior White House staff and government officials are discussing the possibility of oil prices soaring to $150 per barrel or even higher. Two industry officials with ties to the White House stated that White House officials are assessing the economic impact of high oil prices and considering measures, including invoking additional emergency powers, to reduce costs. Trump has also been briefed by the Treasury Department on the near-term outlook for energy prices. The U.S. Treasury Department currently believes that oil prices are likely to remain above $100 per barrel for some time. Sources say the government considers this figure a "benchmark" and does not rule out the possibility of prices rising to $200 per barrel. Another official revealed that the government is exploring all possible avenues to alleviate oil price pressures, including exercising emergency powers and addressing supply chain disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz on defense grounds.