WASHINGTON — President Bush can't stop gasoline prices from rising this summer, the White House said Monday, even if the cost tops $3 a gallon.

        “The president is very concerned about the rise of the price of gasoline,” White House spokesman Ari Fleischer said. “It's tantamount to a tax increase on the American people and that's one reason why it's so important for the nation to have an energy policy that reflects the challenges the nation is facing.”

        But the White House energy policy, due to be released this month, deals with long-term solutions to supply shortages and won't ease problems at the pump this summer. Mr. Fleischer said Mr. Bush is opposed to price controls and has not supported calls to repeal or cut the 18.4 cents-a-gallon federal gas tax.

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