If gas prices continue to rise, what can be done to drop prices?

Question

Even with all the boycott e-mails and such, still Americans seem to just pay the price?1 I know I for one, I limit my driving because I just can't afford it. Is there any truth to these boycotts? Will they help? Why don't Americans as least try?

Answer 1

We need to boycott the big gas companies, like Exxon, Shell, etc. Small companies are competing for buisness with them. If we go to these small mom & pop places, Exxon looses millions and they HAVE to drop prices. Then the small stores drop prices because the have to be competitive. We just need to ban together and say no to the big places. Gas is gas, it doesnt matter where you pump it as long as its cheaper.

Answer 2

We Americans have been spoiled by gas prices that are lower than in any other country. Rather than trying to get the price of gas to drop we should each aim to lower our personal gas expenses. It's a much better long term solution, for both your wallet and the environment, than delaying your gas purchase by a day (which would be the effect of most of the chain-mail boycotts)

Find ways to reduce your personal driving. Carpool or use public transportation if it's available in your area. Try to be efficient when you run errands, so you're not driving in circle or going back to the same place all the time.

Drive an energy efficient call. If you don't live on snowy mountain road chances are you don't need to be driving an SUV. Driving a hybrid car could cut your gas expense in half, but even some regular cars are getting nearly as efficient.

Answer 3

It is true that if the demand for gas were to drop, the price would drop. However, many Americans have to have gas to get back and forth to work every day. The truth is that we are getting stuck because the oil companies know that Americans need gas...right now there is no alternative fuel that can compete on the high scale with gas. My guess is even if an alternative fuel comes along, the oil companies will try to buy the rights to it as well so they can continue to dominate the market. I think some Americans have cut back on their driving, but people have to have gas to get where their going...it's a necessary evil and unfortunately the oil companies are reaping all the benefits and the consumers are being screwed over!!

Answer 4

Sad fact: No matter how much the US citizens cut back or conserve oil usage, the Chinese and other 3rd world countries have progressed to the point where they are also hooked on fossil fuels. Therefore the global demand will continue to spiral upward, while global supply dwindles at an ever accelerating rate. You can expect to see fuel prices continue to rise until a cheaper alternate fuel is developed and distributed in great volume.

Boycotting Exxon or other mega-oil companies is not a solution. Oil is a "fungable" commodity. If Exxon is boycotted, they will have an excess supply, which they will sell to other oil companies. You've got to realize that this is a GLOBAL problem, not just the USA or one or 2 huge companies' conspiricy.

Answer 5

There is no quick simple solution. Americans are addicted to driving. The only way to drastically bring the cost down is to lower the demand.
So what do you do.
Possible options:
1. Ride bikes when possible.
2. Smaller cars / better fuel efficency / Hybreds.
3. Consider driving a bio-diesel (runs on vegitable oil which can be gotten for free).
4. If your commute is under 60 miles both ways look for electirc cars. (hard to find and expencive)
5. Consider an E85 alternative fule vehical GM is starting to advertize if you have the fule available in your area.

Answer 6

People are greedy, selfish, and lazy.
It is commonly believed among oil cos that we have reached "Peak oil," and will never pump as much out of the ground as we are now again. As prices rise, more technologies like shale oil, which can't be done at $1/gal gas, will come one line. Most countries pay more per gallon than us and have for some time.
Playtime is over. We must conserve, go to hybrids, use fuel cells, hydrogen, electric cars and public transportation. Walking and bike riding will regain popularity, and that will save lives. Biofuels will be common. Nuclear fission willcome back, and at some point fusion power will come in, along with wind, solar, wave, tide, deep heat mining, and others.

Answer 7

Since it is summer across the country, Americans should get out and walk more and/or ride a bike. (Not to mention that it is good exercise for most anyone!). Also, instead of taking driving trips for vacation, stay within your immediate area and take advantage of what your city has to offer. That way, public transportation can be utilized. If independent gas station owners do not have business, then they will be forced to bring down prices, thus creating the ripple effect to the "big shots" who are pocketing money off of all us poor folk.

Answer 8

the only way it would work with a boycott would be to boycott one dealer of oil.. not buy from one gas station for weeks.. they would get such a surplus they would have to drop the price

Answer 9

We can all try all we want. Even if we put a dent in the gas profits, they would lower them, essentially getting consumers "hooked" again. Then, they will raise the prices again. It happens all the time. We Americans have such short memories.

Answer 10

America isnt like every other country. We have many people that cannot get a job without driving a 100 miles a day, myself included. You may say well then move, but really why should I? and what if i cannot afford to live in the big city?