This is an extract I found from FAA Order JO 7110.65T Air Traffic Control dated February 2010 and contained in the Pilot/Controller Glossary.
FUEL REMAINING− A phrase used by either pilots
or controllers when relating to the fuel remaining on
board until actual fuel exhaustion. When transmitting
such information in response to either a controller
question or pilot initiated cautionary advisory to air
traffic control, pilots will state the APPROXIMATE
NUMBER OF MINUTES the flight can continue
with the fuel remaining. All reserve fuel SHOULD
BE INCLUDED in the time stated, as should an
allowance for established fuel gauge system error.
Sounds like the controller was using his own version of "Fuel Remaining"