Oil Firms Testify

WASHINGTON--Two major oil companies told Congress yesterday they cannot endorse President Carter's request for a freeze on heating oil prices.

Both Gulf Oil Co. and Sun Oil Co. told the House Government Operations Committee's energy subcommittee that while they plan to hold prices as low as possible, they will not make any promises.

A Gulf official said a mild winter may actually result in a drop of consumer prices, but cautioned Congress not to be optimistic.

Texaco refused to testify, and the subcommittee immediately threatened the company with a subpoena.

Texaco previously announced it intends to freeze heating oil prices this winter, and received the praise of President Carter as a standard for the industry.

John Galloway, subcommittee staff director, said Texaco's promise was "misleading" because it only covers the rest of this year--before the heaviest part of the heating season.