The lawmakers have put the blame for the rising price of oil on the cartel. According to the three, OPEC is “squeezing Americans”.

Speaking to reporters Lautenberg said, “OPEC is an illegal cartel, plain and simple. We’ve allowed this cartel to operate for far too long; it’s time to put an end to it.”

Lautenberg’s view is echoed by Oregon Congressman DeFazio who said, “OPEC is violating WTO rules by restricting production and colluding to raise oil prices.”

The Bill, currently has no support from Republicans in Congress, and is up against an Administration which states “WTO rules do not apply to OPEC” because of a “conservation of natural resources” clause which “eliminates quantitative restrictions on exports by member countries”.

If the lawmakers get their way, US Trade Representative Robert Zoellick has to hold talks with both OPEC and the WTO and, if the talks fail, the US will request for a WTO dispute settlement panel to adjudicate the case.

According to Lautenberg, “If the case were decided in favour of the United States, OPEC would be required to cease its operations or the U.S. would be able to impose trade remedies.”