Mr Bush made the comment in a meeting with Saudi business leaders, and will discuss his concerns about the effect on the US economy with King Abdullah.

Saudi Oil Minister Ali al-Naimi said the kingdom would boost production only if the market justified it.

Saudi Arabia is the world's biggest oil exporter and a leading member of the oil producers' cartel Opec.

"I will say to Abdullah that high energy prices can affect economic growth because it's painful for our consumers... [and] could cause the US economy to slow down," Mr Bush said.

"I would hope that as Opec considers different production levels that they understand that if... one of the biggest consumers' economy suffers it means less purchases, less oil and gas sold," he added.

Saudi discontent

The BBC's Matthew Price, who is travelling with the president, says both countries have a vested interest.

The Saudi currency, which is tied to the US dollar, has weakened along with it.

This has fostered some discontent among Saudi citizens, our correspondent adds.

Nevertheless, the Saudis have argued in recent months that Opec's supply of oil has nothing to do with the price of the commodity.

The Opec secretary general has said the group will raise oil output if needed, but that supply is enough for now.

He blamed price speculation and political tension for the rise in oil prices.

Mr Bush is likely to argue that an increase in production would be good for the US, and therefore for the world - but his hosts may not agree, our correspondent says.

As well as oil prices, the president was expected to raise Israeli-Palestinian talks, democracy, and relations with Iran in his discussions with the king.

On Wednesday President Bush continues his Middle East tour with a visit to Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, where he will meet with President Hosni Mubarak.

(BBC)

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