LARGO, Md. (AP) — President Barack Obama is dismissing Republican presidential candidates who argue the nation needs a massive increase in oil drilling to reduce high gas prices.

The president says in Maryland that the U.S. is producing more oil than at any time in the past eight years and has quadrupled the number of operating oil rigs.

GOP candidates seeking the White House have criticized the sharp rise in gas prices on Obama's watch. The average retail price for a gallon of gas was $3.81 on Wednesday, 50 cents higher than a month ago.

Obama compares the arguments of his critics to an old movie or TV show. He says, "It's like a bad re-run."

Obama was speaking at Prince George's Community College in the Washington suburbs.

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