A senior Obama administration official says the White House is considering a potential release of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.
The US is monitoring gas prices to see whether they fall before making a decision, said the official, who requested anonymity because they were not authorised to speak publicly.
Gas prices in the US have risen an average of 39 cents since early July, because of an increase in oil prices and refinery problems in some regions.
Benchmark crude is up 22 cents to $95.82 in midday trading in New York.
It has gained 3% this week on positive economic data and a drop in US oil supplies.
It is up 23% since late June.
Brent crude, which is used to price international varieties, fell almost 2%.
