Does anyone else feel like the lowering of gas prices is used like a pacifier on the American people?

Question

It just seems like I have seen a trend of the gas prices coming down when JohnQ Public is getting restless, and questioning the "state of the union".
And what's worse is it seems to work.
I certainly feel a bit less angry with the current status quo when I can better afford to drive myself to work.
Does anyone agree? if disagree keep the accusations of political affilation out of your dissenting OPINION. Thanks much.

Maybe it's pre-emptive to combat the eventual rise in prices with the current hurricane path predictions?

Thoughts?

Thanks to those who wrote in to say they felt a bit the same about it as I did.
I really feel the powers that be have way more influence on prices of gas (heck anything) than the public is made aware of, or past that could understand.
I think that's what frustrates me, feeling deep in my gut (that's where the best thinking is done - Thanks Steve Coalbear ) that somehow someway the "Man" is finding ways to stick it to us with gas prices. Apparently in the UK they been getting it stuck to them for quite a spell, and we Americans just aren't too happy about it happening Stateside.
Anyhoo...

Patzky - though I loved your answer (even when the view differs from mine a bit) in the end I'm giving the BA to someone else. Love the use of "the decider". And you do have a valid point, it would take enormous cajones to jack up the American people on purpose, especially about their money, which when it doesn't go in the gas tank, goes on the table or the college fund...

Answer 1

The price of oil is set on world markets. It's a matter of supply and demand. The booming economies in China and India are creating a huge demand for oil for ordinary folks that didn't use to have cars. To think that there is some sinister plot to make a few oil exec's rich is extremely naive. Just a suggestion, I have a non-diversified energy fund that more than pays for my energy needs every year. The oil companies are owned by people like you and I and you can share in the profits. I do. Talk to your broker. Have a great day.

Answer 2

I agree with you. It does seem to work that way! I try not to let my mood be determined by the numbers on the gas price sign but it's hard not to feel (momentarily) hopeful when the prices go down.

(PS ExxonMobil - you suck for making so much $$ last year!)

Answer 3

I think prices will fluctuate according to supply and demand.

If you would like to track these fluctuations, watch the price action on the NYMEX. It's where the benchmark WTI (West Texas Intermediate Light Sweet) crude oil contract is traded. All prices for energy products usually key off of it.

I often trade these contracts. I can't say I ever feel angry about it. Sometimes I make money, sometimes I lose. That's the way it is.

Answer 4

I can't help but agree with you on this. I'll almost guarantee you something big is going to happen soon. The least of our worries would be a hurricane. The worst would be a terrorist attack, and Bush blaming it on Iran, so he could bomb them.

Answer 5

Someone has to pay for monies being misused by the goverment. So they take out of our pockets.

Answer 6

when you look at other 'coincidences' in our good news/bad news society, i understand why you might think that way. the support for the war on terrorism drops, publicize an attempt to blow up planes. the national psyche is in a funk, hey, lets have a few successful space shuttle missions, and while we're at it, let's scare cuba while fidel's sick in bed.

but gas prices are so very near and dear to americans' hearts (their back pockets, actually) that to tamper with them would be a dangerous game indeed, even for the decider. the oil companies make such an obscene amount of money now, that i can't imagine they'd feel the need to 'turn up the heat' on the driving public, nor risk attracting attention.

where i live now, there is at least a bit of competition in pricing. yesterday the range i saw went from $2.48 to $2.69 a gallon. where i used to live, every station in town had the same posted price as every other station within an hour of a price change. done locally, THAT'S collusion. or an amazing coincidence. of course a state study found no evidence of anything suspicious...

Answer 7

yes, yes, yes