What do you think is the reason gas prices are climbing so fast?

[troy mcclure]

I agree with supply and demand, along with crazy oil speculation on the futures market based on current global tensions.

 

[AMcaptured]

The reason is because production is down in Iraq, Veneszula and the US. However, consumption is up around the WORLD ( it isn't just the SUV's in the USA ) with the emerging markets around the globe. China and India are the two most populated countries and with their rapidly growing economies, they are driving cars and heating and cooling homes now yet production has not increased.

It is not as simple as greed and SUV's.....

 

[parrothead365]

Greed

 

[Peter Pirate]

While gas guzzlers don't help the long term problem tey are no explanation to the recent term huge increases.

I am totally concerned that oil companies can make record profits on the heels of this.

 

[mainewmn]

I think there is a whole lot of reasons why the gas prices keep going up, but I also think the predominate one is greed.

 

[ILUVMYBRIT]

Greed

 

[JPN4265]

Okay, helmet on, flame suit on (two suits): You can tell fromt the postings, which one's understand basic economics and the ones that watch to much Opra.

 

[pat fan]

Okay, helmet on, flame suit on (two suits): You can tell fromt the postings, which one's understand basic economics and the ones that watch to much Opra.

I understand supply and demand...but the profits these companies are making make it difficult to believe that is the sole reason for prices to be up the way they are.

BTW...I don't watch Oprah, but I do know how to spell it

 

[Crankyshank]

Because the oil companies know we'll pay it because we have no other choice and people aren't demanding fuel alternatives loud enough to make those in charge listen.

 

[denisenh]

As long as there's so many people creating demand for gas by driving oversized vehicles, there will be rising prices. That's THE basic law of capitalism

why do people always seem to blame people that buy "big gas guzzlers"? I own a big SUV but I do not drive more than a few miles a week. My husband owns a "big car" and the same for him.

We don't have an hours commute to a big city to make more money and live way out to get more house for less. We work and shop very close to home.

supply and demand perhaps, but it is demand from ALL gas users. The little toyota may go all over the state and beyond just joy riding and use more gasoline in a week than I use in a month.

 

[toto2]

It is fascinating to see everyday people on the Dis trying to defend capitalism as the ultimate good for the universe , but when gas company does exactly that , being perfect capitalist , all hell breaks loose. The profits for Exxon was the biggest profits ever for this company last year. Not just the money they get for there product , but the profits , what gets in their pockets. So yess , they raise the prices because they can.

And the environmentalist have nothing to do with it !

 

[Kitka]

Sure, there are political reasons for this, but in the end it comes down to one thing - the prices are higher because the oil companies decided to raise them.

It's not about 'expensive additives', or 'conflicts'..... it's about oil companies making record profits last year and wanting more of the same.

 

[CapeCodTenor]

why do people always seem to blame people that buy "big gas guzzlers"? I own a big SUV but I do not drive more than a few miles a week. My husband owns a "big car" and the same for him.

Here, here. My wife owns a big SUV but has no choice in the matter. My wife is a harpist and as most people know, harps are large instruments that require a large vehicle in which to move them. And even in the harp field she has a large instrument. Her Venus concert grand is larger than the Lyon and Healy's concert grand. If she had her choice it'd be a hybrid for her. I think it's supply and demand plus all the additives that are required for the fuels.

 

[corie161]

why do people always seem to blame people that buy "big gas guzzlers"? I own a big SUV but I do not drive more than a few miles a week. My husband owns a "big car" and the same for him.

We don't have an hours commute to a big city to make more money and live way out to get more house for less. We work and shop very close to home.

supply and demand perhaps, but it is demand from ALL gas users. The little toyota may go all over the state and beyond just joy riding and use more gasoline in a week than I use in a month.

I have to agree with this. Yesterday my sister and sister-in-law and I were in the Twin Cities at rush hour. The traffic was backed up in the regular lanes and we tooled right along in the carpool lane (2 or more to a car). You can't tell me more people up there can't carpool with someone.

My husband has a truck, but doesn't have a choice as he works in the construction field.

 

[LuvDuke]

Just curious.

I think the truth is somewhere between supply/demand and greed.

As to short-term solutions, I haven't the foggiest idea. However, I do believe that when an economy is based on cheap, available fuel, these gas prices are going to turn into a national crises.

 

[LuvDuke]

BTW...I don't watch Oprah, but I do know how to spell it

Touche!

 

[LuvDuke]

All of the above and...

Iranian craziness/Nigerian instability/worsening conditions in Iraq
big investors are very nervous &/or elated at the prospect of a real killing

there are a lot of people getting rich over this & they are not all foreign nationals

beware home heating oil prices!

by the by, Dh is paying over $5.00 per US gallon in Ireland & UK this month.

Jean

Many of these countries with high fuel costs also pay for the social services (healthcare, etc) out of those costs. What are we getting ......... roadwork? Jump on I-4 or I-45/I-10 through Houston and then ponder if you're getting your money's worth.

 

[Planogirl]

Many of these countries with high fuel costs also pay for the social services (healthcare, etc) out of those costs. What are we getting ......... roadwork? Jump on I-4 or I-45/I-10 through Houston and then ponder if you're getting your money's worth.

Our only highway in this area is tolled. Our next highway, currently under construction, is already budgeted for but will be toll to pay for other road projects around the state. So this doesn't work for us.

 

[Laugh O. Grams]

OPEC has nothing to do with Capitalism or Supply and Demand. As a cartel, it can manipulate worldwide oil prices and increase or decrease the flow of oil as it sees fit. I would think that with an Administration like we have in the US that is made up of all ex-oil industry execs that we might be able to figure out some sort of plan to fight the rising prices...unless of course, the members of the Administration somehow have a personal stake in the rising price of oil. Naw...way to outrageous...could never happen here in America...could it?

 

[JPN4265]

Touche!

sorry I left off the "h". I guess I would be one of those that doesn't watch Oprah.