Why does the US export their own natural resourses (gasoline) while importing the gas that its citizens use?

Question

Once the new dynamics of the trade was established, wouldn't the cost of gas be greatly reduced if North America used its own resources instead of importing the supply? (I wonder if practicality is overruled by politics?)

Answer 1

The US does export a tiny amount of petroleum products:

http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/dnav/pet/pet_move_wkly_dc_NUS-Z00_mbblpd_w.htm

However, keep in mind that the US has a number of refineries that are owned by private companies, and their motives for exporting are not driven by the greater good of the US.

Answer 2

We don't import or export gasoline. We import crude oil. But why? We have our own crude oil supplies in states and Alaska's north shore. The liberals think wild animals would be 'disturbed' by our drilling and sending oil south from the cold north. But as any observer of animals should know, they will ignore us and continue to roam and graze at will. (And polar bears aren't in danger like some would try to have us believe.)
The oil co.s import to "conserve" our supply so we would have some for times of world conflict, which could interupt or stop our importing. It is estimated that we have sufficient supplies for the next 25-30 years at least. By then, cars should be running on 'alternative' fuels and/or electric power. But those choices are not perfected or truly economical or feasible as yet. And not being accepted by consumers for those reasons. Alcohol gets lousey fuel mileage. It takes a lot more alcohol to drive the same distance as gasoline. Hydrogen is just too dangerous and CAN'T be made safe enough for practical use in cars. You've seen the films of the hydrogen gas filled zeppelin burning, just imagine the super explosion of crash induced liquid hydrogen tanks rupturing. Nobody could survive such a crash and bomb like results.

Answer 3

West Coast refineries do not have the capacity to handle peak Alaskan oil production and oil shipments to other parts of the U.S. are much farther from Alaska than Asian ports. We would import about half of our oil anyway and any increase in supply decreases world oil price. However the arguments that increased drilling in Alaska would be a special benefit to the US are not valid. It would just increase supply of oil in the world market.

Answer 4

straight forward, oil agencies are grasping and that they recognize that China and different international locations that purchase our oil will pay lots for it. we could desire to constantly get our very own aspects first and purely export what's left over if any. @Zombie88, massive concern jointly with your answer. Our intake being greater desirable than our use isn't a sensible reason to export and not use it right here. What that's is a physically powerful reason to apply it right here and import something we choose above and previous that. @rayal, what do you advise they owe no longer something to their very own usa? needless to say they do. you reside right here, you're based right here, you help your usa. @????o? What do you advise relatives call for is vulnerable? the object is finished of crap. There are vehicles and oil warmth in each single place. the genuine subject is that decision for is on the enhance in arising international locations and for this reason they're keen to overpay. you recognize darn properly what the guy asking meant by using the U. S. merchandising oil. Which oil company do you artwork for/have share in anyhow? @Kyrie, maximum republicans i recognize compliment to apply our very own oil so do no longer blame us.

Answer 5

Opec countries by their agreement, must accept payment for their oil in U.S. dollars. This is one of the things left that helps keep the paper dollars or "Fiat Money" buoyant. The charade continues!

Answer 6

More money.