Obama Transfers Heating Oil for Sandy Relief

WASHINGTON (CN) - President Barack Obama announced a transfer of diesel heating oil to communities in the Northeast affected by Hurricane Sandy.

The hurricane caused severe damage to the industries that refine and distribute petroleum, include pipelines, refineries and ports.

Obama found that "a severe energy supply interruption exists" and issued a presidential memorandum last week to transfer heating oil to the Northeast.

The president ordered the transfer of ultra-low sulfur diesel oil from the Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve to the Department of Defense to provide relief in the areas hardest hit by the hurricane.

The order came at the advice of Energy Secretary Steven Chu, who recommended an emergency transfer of the oil.

The president said Chu has the authority to cancel the transfer if circumstances change.

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