What is going on with the gasoline prices and what can the average american do about it?

Question

I just cant believe our government lets these oil companys get away with raping the american consumer.

Answer 1

I CAN believe the government "lets" the oil companies "get away" with the gas prices, because they ARE the gas companies! They tell us there is nothing they can do about the prices, but why then are they making so much profit; oil is the most profitable industry in the world? The Bush families own some oil company. Oil sponsors political leaders, so why would they want to pass anything anti-oil?

What can the average American do about it? Driving smaller cars, and better driving habits is only a temporary fix or solution. Right now there is no mainstream solution. Forge your own. Be in control. Become independent to oil. I hate being in a position where I am a victim. That means real alternative fuels. Propane is not alternative. Ethanol is a start, but it not a real substitute. "Hybrids" use petroleum too, and get 30-50 mpg, like Civics did in the late 80's. The early Geo metro's got that kind of mileage as well. Many Import 1.5 liter cars with manual transmissions did too.

When the world has another major disaster, I.E. a huge war, its going to effect gas supplies, gas prices, and cause a major depression for the world, particularly in America.

Answer 2

Colourful language aside, it is true that petroleum companies are making record profits as Americans feel "pain at the pump." I think, though, a little perspective is in order. Most Europeans pay twice or three times as much for petrol as Americans do.

As for what the average American can do about it, they could choose to support alternative fuels, even if that means paying a little extra for a high-ethanol blend. Remember, though, that even alternative fuels have their own drawbacks. In the long run, the best thing to do is drive less. Make all of your errands at once so you don't make multiple trips, don't use the car for short trips unless you need to, car pool with a neighbor or co-worker - these won't reduce the price of the gas, true, but you won't need to buy as much of it. That's almost as good, right?

Answer 3

I get as bummed as anyone regarding the price of gas. Why do they charge so much? Because they can. I know they have a lot of expenses, but when they post a 10B profit for a quarter, and that is just the money they couldn't hide or throw away.

I'm also aware that the oil companies have to buy the oil from foreign interests and I blame greedy OPEC countries as much as I would blame our own country. To me, the OPEC countries are guilty of price fixing, by agreeing to allocate a certain amount of oil to be pumped, which will control the cost of the oil. That would be illegal in our country to control the price of a necessity like oil. But what can you do? Just pay the bill and gripe about it. You have to have it to get around, so all you can do is buy fuel efficient cars and trucks, and try to drive economically. good luck

Answer 4

The government has lost any control they had over the oil market.
The oil companies have not built any new refineries and old ones are breaking down or being closed.
Exxon has made record profits.
Does anyone know if there is any oil company that is not run by pure greed? If so, boycott the others.

Answer 5

Well... treat your car good and try to buy a hybrid. This will save you money in the long run. Other than that, I hear the prices are going up to 4 bucks by the end of the year.

Answer 6

Because my family and I had horses in KY I am actively looking for a horse and light weight, soft wheel trailer. A horse of about 10 yrs. can handle up to about 1/2 ton of passengers and cargo without hills. Ideal for SW FL.

I have a small piece of land zoned agriculture and I am now waiting for my questions to be answered by code enforcement. Browse, food and water isn't a problem.

Answer 7

I'll walk to work, or ride my bike, remember in the 70's they said they ran out of gas, so prices went up, now they just say "WE ARE GOING TO DO YOU" !

Answer 8

nothing. Boycotts don't work. Demanding people use public transportation or car pooling is ridiculous. We are stuck.

Answer 9

Why don't you encourage your very stupid leader to invade another oil producing country - there is still Angola, Nigeria etc. Bomb the @#$&&!! out of them so they don't need the oil and kill all the children. Be american!

Answer 10

its called the rich and the poor you are only griping because your not one of them