What's the Deal?

[spare_change]

Are gas companies gouging you, or are they taking their fair profit? Do the gas companies have the right to charge whatever the market will bear? Should the Government be able to regulate the percentage of profit? If you owned stock in the gas companies, would your answer be different?



Does the same apply to health care and legal drug production? Are they gouging you, or are they taking their fair profit?

[Penny]

The oil companies are gouging. The price of getting a barrel out of the ground hasnt doubled in the past year as the price has.

[spare_change]

But, as a private company, aren't they allowed to charge as much as they want? Wouldn't their stockholders insist that they do that?

[Jackrabbit]

These things are true but there is another aspect that I don't hear so much about. Part of the tax on gasoline is based on a percentage of the price. The higher the price of gas the more taxes the government collects. Think about it, the government talks about gouging but they have an incentive for prices to be high.

[spare_change]

These things are true but there is another aspect that I don't hear so much about. Part of the tax on gasoline is based on a percentage of the price. The higher the price of gas the more taxes the government collects. Think about it, the government talks about gouging but they have an incentive for prices to be high.


An interesting point -- do we know if all taxes are a percentage, or are some of them a flat tax?

[Penny]

Why should we subsidize them and even pay them to drill on federal land. Somethings not right there.



But, as a private company, aren't they allowed to charge as much as they want? Wouldn't their stockholders insist that they do that?

[Jackrabbit]

An interesting point -- do we know if all taxes are a percentage, or are some of them a flat tax?

I think it depends on the state. In CA the state sales tax applies to gasoline at 7.75% along with all these other state and federal taxes - http://www.energy.ca.gov/gasoline/statistics/gas_taxes_by_state_2002.html

[Jackrabbit]

Why should we subsidize them and even pay them to drill on federal land. Somethings not right there.

I agree that something is not right. It's an artificial shortage driving up the prices. Here's a good example - a couple of years ago we had this HUGE electricity shortage in CA. There were rolling blackouts and prices went through the roof. The politicians had big plans to increase electricity generation but almost no new power plants were built.

Guess what? Now the state says that there will be plenty of electricity available this summer. I'm sure there will be now that my electric bills are more than double what they were a few years ago.

[Penny]

Wasnt that when Enron was caught laughing about robbing people :(

[Wet Beaver]

here is the tax break down for each state....

http://www.gaspricewatch.com/usgastaxes.asp

on thing you all are forgetting...the price per barrel is set on the world market...and the people are makeing bets..that the price will go higher....

from what i have been hearing..the profit to the oil companies is only about 5 cents a gallon...but you have to look at the massive numbers of gallons that are sold each year....

but every company is allow to make a profit...and the oil industry is a high cost industry....

[Jackrabbit]

Wasnt that when Enron was caught laughing about robbing people :(
Yep, that was part of it. I think that they started it and now the oil and natural gas companies are pulling their scams.

Gasoline is over $3.30 here now and the oil companies are still actually exporting gas out of the country.

You are so right Penny - something's not right here

[sweetgapeach]

Something isnt right with it all . The Government talks about giving rebate checks 100.00 to each tax payer, if that is So then , Why couldnt they put that money toward breaks in the Gas prices ? I dont understand it . They have that money to give, but cant control Gas prices ?

[Annie]

I went into the gas station today and asked for five dollars worth of gas.
The clerk farted and gave me a receipt.

[Jackrabbit]

I went into the gas station today and asked for five dollars worth of gas.
The clerk farted and gave me a receipt.

:lmao

[sweetgapeach]

I went into the gas station today and asked for five dollars worth of gas.
The clerk farted and gave me a receipt.


I swear to God , you crack me up Gurl !!:lmao

[Wet Beaver]

Something isnt right with it all . The Government talks about giving rebate checks 100.00 to each tax payer, if that is So then , Why couldnt they put that money toward breaks in the Gas prices ? I dont understand it . They have that money to give, but cant control Gas prices ?

that isn't hard to figured out...if the oil company is makeing 5 to 9 cents a gallon on gas...and the federal tax rate on it is 18.2 cents a gallon...who do ya think has more money to give back to the people who pay the taxes on the gas??

[Wet Beaver]

Yep, that was part of it. I think that they started it and now the oil and natural gas companies are pulling their scams.

Gasoline is over $3.30 here now and the oil companies are still actually exporting gas out of the country.

You are so right Penny - something's not right here

i think it is called contracts.....

[Wet Beaver]

Wasnt that when Enron was caught laughing about robbing people :(

well that whole electricy deal was screwed up from the start.....Steve Peace from san deigo...who brokered the deal made sure it wouldn't work....





btw Steve Peace only other claim to fame....is made the attack of the killer tomatoes...

[Norfolkdave]

Gas company Ie heating Gas and not petrol, is extremely high in the Uk as we export part of it from russia. We have a huge site at Bacton but believe it or not we here in Walsingham have electric for cooking and oil for heating. Oil works out at 0.039p per litre then you have to add VAT on top of that at Seventeen and a half percent. Everything in the UK contains this dreaded VAT. UK TEESIDE $5.64
HONG KONG HONG KONG $5.62
UK MILFORD HAVEN $5.56
UK READING $5.56
UK NORWICH $5.54
GERMANY FRANKFURT $5.29
DENMARK COPENHAGEN $5.08
NORWAY STAVANGER $5.07
NORWAY OSLO $4.93
ITALY ROME $4.86
TURKEY ISTANBUL $4.85
PORTUGAL LISBON $4.80
KOREA SEOUL $4.71
SWITZERLAND GENEVA $4.56
KOREA KOJE/OKPO $4.53
AUSTRIA VIENNA $4.50
CROATIA ZAGREB $4.32
JAPAN TOKYO $3.84
AUSTRALIA SYDNEY $2.63
CAMBODIA PHNOM PENH $2.57
TAIWAN TAIPEI $2.47
GEORGIA TBILISI $2.31
LAOS VIENTIANE $1.66
THAILAND BANGKOK $1.60
CHINA TIANJIN $1.54
CHINA SHANGHAI $1.48
RUSSIA MOSCOW $1.45
KAZAKHSTAN ALMATY $1.36
KAZAKHSTAN ATYRAU $1.35
TAJIKISTAN DUSHANBE $1.32
AZERBAIJAN BAKU $1.15
VENEZUELA CARACAS $0.14

[GeekMaster]

It is hard for me to understand why people will complain about the price of gas, when the same people will pay $1-$2 for a 12oz bottle of water, when the same liquid can be had out of my faucet for $.001. We will pay $1.39 or more, for a soft drink at a fast food restaurant, which contains about 12 oz. of soda, and the rest is ice. If that is a 20 oz. drink, that is the same as $14.82/gallon.


If the demand for gasoline from us (consumers) was not as high as it is, then the price would not be as high as it is. Don't complain about the high cost of gas when you drive your 14mpg SUV to work every day, or drive the same SUV 25 miles to go to a restaurant that you like.

America is a land full of choices. You can choose where you work, where you live, what you eat, what you drive, etc. All those choices affect how much gasoline it takes to support your lifestyle.

Personally, I have purchased less than 10 bottles of water in my lifetime, and then it was a situation where there was no other alternative. I drive vehicles that average 24+mpg, and am looking at a used GEO Metro for commuting, that gets 30mpg. We have reduced our gas consumption 35% since 2003, by combining trips, carpooling to events, eating out close to home, eating at home, etc.

I am also investigating changing jobs to a firm here in town, (2 miles vs. 26 miles) so as to reduce gasoline need even more.

I don't like the high price of gasoline any better than the next person, but I choose to make choices to lessen the amount of gasoline I need.





I'm ready for all the bashing that is sure to come!

[tiger50]

good cal mate... yeh we do ave choices..

[Shiane]

I was on the a gas company's site that tried to explain why gas was so high.

Here are the reasons they list.

1. Tight Oil Supply-Geopolitical uncertainties and strong global demand.
2. Refining- Output from refineries normally declines when major production units are taken offline for regular maintenance programs.
3. Fuel Specifications- phasing out the fuel additive methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) and replacing it with ethanol.
4. Growing demand-Consumption of gasoline and other oil products is growing around the world, especially in rapidly developing countries such as China and India.
5. Lack of Spare Production Capacity- much of that reserve capacity has been soaked up by increased demand, with the supply cushion now estimated to be around a million barrels a day in a world that every day is using 85 million barrels (or nearly 3.6 billion gallons) of oil products.
6. Taxes- State taxes can be one of the most significant reasons for gasoline price differences across the country — with total taxes on gasoline varying from a low of 8 cents a gallon in Alaska to more than 40 cents a gallon in California, New York and Hawaii. The state average is about 28 cents a gallon and about 18.4 cents per gallon nationwide federal tax.

[Shiane]

This site also compared the price of gas to other products.

I found this kinda funny, hell if I could put something other than gas in my tank, i'de be milking the cows instead of being here. I don't go to the store and buy 40 gallons of milk a week, nor do I buy visine by the gallon. I only use a mouthful of mouthwash at a time. Oh and beer, I can make that at home too but I can't put it in my gas tank either. Soda, well hell you all know what happens when you put sugar in the gas tank. I don't buy gallons of soda, although I do know of one person who drinks a hell of a lot of pepsi, not mentioning any names though! :D

I would like know what jackass thought it was a good idea to compare the price of gas to soda, milk, beer, bottled water or visine. I guess some idiot thought this would make me be more inclined to accept the high gas prices. NOT! :lmao


The study points out, for example, that a popular soft drink sells for the equivalent of about $2.85 a gallon, and a brand name beer about $9.75 a gallon and Visine eye medication about $895 a gallon. The graphic shows how the price of gasoline compares with other processed liquids.

[GeekMaster]

And someone said you were only good looking and sexy!! It is obvious that your mind is a exquisite as your personality!! (and other things!!!) ;)

Those are all things that no one considers when contemplating the cost of gasoline. There are a myriad of other factors in the price of gasoline, one of the main ones not mentioned yet, is the EPA!!! That topic could go on for days about the benefits of "Saving the environment."


I was on the a gas company's site that tried to explain why gas was so high.

Here are the reasons they list.

1. Tight Oil Supply-Geopolitical uncertainties and strong global demand.
2. Refining- Output from refineries normally declines when major production units are taken offline for regular maintenance programs.
3. Fuel Specifications- phasing out the fuel additive methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) and replacing it with ethanol.
4. Growing demand-Consumption of gasoline and other oil products is growing around the world, especially in rapidly developing countries such as China and India.
5. Lack of Spare Production Capacity- much of that reserve capacity has been soaked up by increased demand, with the supply cushion now estimated to be around a million barrels a day in a world that every day is using 85 million barrels (or nearly 3.6 billion gallons) of oil products.
6. Taxes- State taxes can be one of the most significant reasons for gasoline price differences across the country — with total taxes on gasoline varying from a low of 8 cents a gallon in Alaska to more than 40 cents a gallon in California, New York and Hawaii. The state average is about 28 cents a gallon and about 18.4 cents per gallon nationwide federal tax.

[GeekMaster]

I was using the comparisons to point out that we all have choices!! Our choices determine our lifestyle, and our need for gasoline. We make choices every day about what we choose to buy, and how much we pay for it.

A 12 0z. can of Pepsi can be purchased for about $.30 at the discount store in case quantities. If I choose to pay $1.39 for that same 12 oz. of Pepsi at a fast food restaurant, that is my choice, and I shouldn't complain about how the fast food industry is price gouging me, when I have the choice not to buy. Don't even get me started on bottled water!!!

The same applies to our lifestyle choices.

This site also compared the price of gas to other products.

I found this kinda funny, hell if I could put something other than gas in my tank, i'de be milking the cows instead of being here. I don't go to the store and buy 40 gallons of milk a week, nor do I buy visine by the gallon. I only use a mouthful of mouthwash at a time. Oh and beer, I can make that at home too but I can't put it in my gas tank either. Soda, well hell you all know what happens when you put sugar in the gas tank. I don't buy gallons of soda, although I do know of one person who drinks a hell of a lot of pepsi, not mentioning any names though! :D

I would like know what jackass thought it was a good idea to compare the price of gas to soda, milk, beer, bottled water or visine. I guess some idiot thought this would make me be more inclined to accept the high gas prices. NOT! :lmao


The study points out, for example, that a popular soft drink sells for the equivalent of about $2.85 a gallon, and a brand name beer about $9.75 a gallon and Visine eye medication about $895 a gallon. The graphic shows how the price of gasoline compares with other processed liquids.

[Barkiss]

It is hard for me to understand why people will complain about the price of gas, when the same people will pay $1-$2 for a 12oz bottle of water, when the same liquid can be had out of my faucet for $.001. We will pay $1.39 or more, for a soft drink at a fast food restaurant, which contains about 12 oz. of soda, and the rest is ice. If that is a 20 oz. drink, that is the same as $14.82/gallon.


If the demand for gasoline from us (consumers) was not as high as it is, then the price would not be as high as it is. Don't complain about the high cost of gas when you drive your 14mpg SUV to work every day, or drive the same SUV 25 miles to go to a restaurant that you like.

America is a land full of choices. You can choose where you work, where you live, what you eat, what you drive, etc. All those choices affect how much gasoline it takes to support your lifestyle.

Personally, I have purchased less than 10 bottles of water in my lifetime, and then it was a situation where there was no other alternative. I drive vehicles that average 24+mpg, and am looking at a used GEO Metro for commuting, that gets 30mpg. We have reduced our gas consumption 35% since 2003, by combining trips, carpooling to events, eating out close to home, eating at home, etc.

I am also investigating changing jobs to a firm here in town, (2 miles vs. 26 miles) so as to reduce gasoline need even more.

I don't like the high price of gasoline any better than the next person, but I choose to make choices to lessen the amount of gasoline I need.





I'm ready for all the bashing that is sure to come!

Excellent post! I couldn't have said it any better.

Bottom line is these companies are "for profit".

[Shiane]

It is hard for me to understand why people will complain about the price of gas, when the same people will pay $1-$2 for a 12oz bottle of water, when the same liquid can be had out of my faucet for $.001. We will pay $1.39 or more, for a soft drink at a fast food restaurant, which contains about 12 oz. of soda, and the rest is ice. If that is a 20 oz. drink, that is the same as $14.82/gallon. First of all last time I checked I still have my 5th ammendment rights and it is my right to bitch and gripe about anything I want to. As far as comparing the price of bottled water to gas, well lets see. Yes it is a choice of whether to buy bottled or tap water, it is not my choice to buy bottled or tap gas. Hell isn't that a grand idea, tap gas lol like thats gonna happen. The only time I buy bottled water is when we're out on the boat. At home we use filtered tap water. I don't buy alot of soda, I might drink 3 sodas a week and thats usually at work. I drink tea, yep the homemade kind too, and no sugar or sweetener. When I'm home we eat at home most often, usually once a week we eat out. Eating out is a convenience, as is soda, and bottled water. However gas is not a convenience, granted how much gas you use is up to you, but it is no longer a convenience, it is a necessity.


If the demand for gasoline from us (consumers) was not as high as it is, then the price would not be as high as it is. Don't complain about the high cost of gas when you drive your 14mpg SUV to work every day, or drive the same SUV 25 miles to go to a restaurant that you like. My SUV gets about 20 mpg, not that bad. Now if you want my reasons for driving such a gas hog, I'll be more than happy to tell you. Safety is my main reason, I survived a damn near fatal car wreck in a SUV, had I been in a match box rice burner I wouldn't be here now. I kinda want to be around to see my children grow up. My hubby drives a Mazda, thats his choice, I hate it with a passion. Feels like I'm in a cardboard box. Also I can't pull the boat or RV with a little Toyota.

America is a land full of choices. You can choose where you work, where you live, what you eat, what you drive, etc. All those choices affect how much gasoline it takes to support your lifestyle. You are right we all have choices, I've made what cuts I can, but I still think gas is too high.

I am also investigating changing jobs to a firm here in town, (2 miles vs. 26 miles) so as to reduce gasoline need even more. I drive 280 miles a week to and from work. There is a place 14 miles from my house I could work at, I worked there 6 yrs ago. Here are the reasons I left, 1. It is a hell hole. 2. My income increased over 65% when I changed jobs. No way in hell will I go back!

I don't like the high price of gasoline any better than the next person, but I choose to make choices to lessen the amount of gasoline I need.
We all have made changes, but as American's we ALL still have the right to bitch about it!

Thats my story and i'm stickin to it!

[Annie]

Thats my story and i'm stickin to it!

Outstanding reply! I agree wholeheartedly! Anyone who trys to tell me that an increase in any price of a necessity is ok, and why bitch about it is either kidding himself or not telling the whole truth!

[Barkiss]

Thats my story and i'm stickin to it!

I didn't see anywhere in Geek's post for you (us) not to bitch about it. He just stated he didn't understand the complaint if...

You made a couple of points in your "argument" which seem to contradict the word "necessity". First - you want to drive your SUV so you can pull your "boat and RV"? Seems reasonable...but doesn't mean gas is a necessity for any of these three vehicles. Second - you stated that six years ago you received an increase from a job 280 miles away. Six years ago the price of gas was under a $1 a gallon. Maybe that "increase" isn't such an increase anymore...once again...a choice, not a necessity.

Look I feel the pain just as much as anyone. Matter of fact two of our companies rely heavily on transportation of certain commodities. Our transportation costs have shot through the roof; however, we are finding ways to manage. We might even have to raise our prices to adjust for the cost. And as long as the demand is there, we will continue to raise the price, even in the event it increases our profits. Same rule applies to these publicly held gas companies...they are just adjusting their prices to increase their profit. Sucks for us....great for them!

[Annie]

I don't even want to get into what this gas price increase has done to my family and my husbands second job. He's a chauffeur who works on commision on the week ends. The price he has to charge is set by the company he sub-contracts for and due to many contracts that company has, the rates can only be raise when a contract expires. There are a few contracts that have not expired and are not due to expire for another 6 months or so. Now for those companies a single trip that during rush hour can take from anywhere to 20 minutes to a half hour he makes about $3.00 but that is not counting the cost to go back to the airport for a second trip if he must "dead head" it. Is gas a necessity... you betcha! Is a gas hog a necessity... for him you betcha! He can't fit 6 passengers in a VW and frankly they are not paying for that, they want a limousine.

[Barkiss]

I don't even want to get into what this gas price increase has done to my family and my husbands second job. He's a chauffeur who works on commision on the week ends. The price he has to charge is set by the company he sub-contracts for and due to many contracts that company has, the rates can only be raise when a contract expires. There are a few contracts that have not expired and are not due to expire for another 6 months or so. Now for those companies a single trip that during rush hour can take from anywhere to 20 minutes to a half hour he makes about $3.00 but that is not counting the cost to go back to the airport for a second trip if he must "dead head" it. Is gas a necessity... you betcha! Is a gas hog a necessity... for him you betcha! He can't fit 6 passengers in a VW and frankly they are not paying for that, they want a limousine.

Annie...I can feel your pain. I know nothing about the limousine business, and can only imagine the devastation it must cause a small business owner, especially one so dependent on the price of gas.

However your post brings up the more pertinent issue at hand...the cost of doing business. At some point your husband is going to be able to raise his prices, which will cost the companies he services to absorb that cost on their bottom line. To compensate for that, they will raise their prices. This trend will continue until it reaches the bottom line consumer, in the price of bread and water - the true necessities.

Personally I think everyone should stop thinking about what can the government do for the individual's price of gas, and start worrying about how this is going to affect their lives in other ways... What's a $100 going to do for us all anyways?

Thanks for the post Annie. It's certainly helps me not to bitch about the price of gas, because at least I do have a choice on my usage.

[spare_change]

An excellent set of posts -- and some interesting, and surprising, replies. I really expected everyone to complain how the gas companies were gouging us, and they didn't need that much profit, and the Bush family was in on it, yada yada.

Instead, we got reasoned, intelligent conversation. Kudos to all.

From a pure economic point of view, WB hit it right on the head. The cost of gas is being driven by the futures market - that, and an EPA ruling that REQUIRES the oil companies to raise the price of oil already bought to match the current cost of oil futures. So, if Exxon paid $50 for a barrel of oil in one of its tanks, it is required to charge fees equal to the current $75 per barrel futures cost.

The increase in demand worldwide, particularly in the third world countries (notably China and the Asian rim) has driven the expectation of high profits thru the roof -- thus the increased cost of oil futures. Couple that with our propensity to consume greater amounts when a shortage appears to be imminent, and the lack of refining capability to meet those demands, and you have an explosive market.

I was glad to see that all understand that it is the oil companies' job to make money for their stockholders -- they should be trying to maximize profits. That's what they get paid for - and that's why people invest in them.

[Shiane]

I didn't see anywhere in Geek's post for you (us) not to bitch about it. He just stated he didn't understand the complaint if... I have made adjustments as i'm sure everyone else has and I have a right to complain about it. Everything else is a choice, gas is not a choice we all have to have it. How we use it and how much of it we use is a choice.

You made a couple of points in your "argument" which seem to contradict the word "necessity". First - you want to drive your SUV so you can pull your "boat and RV"? I could be making payments on another vehicle that gets better mileage, but I would still need a vehicle that I could pull the boat and RV with. The RV is not morotized. Instead of vacationing out of state and driving or paying airfare, we choose to go camping 14 miles from the house. You can say that isn't a necessity, and you' would be right, it is a luxury and one that I am not willing to give up. My SUV is paid for, I can't see paying $1,400.00 dollars out on taxes on a new vehicle and then a $400.00/month car payment just to save gas. Instead I make my trips count. This is the same vehicle I drive to and from work, so yes it is a necessity. As far as the gas that my boat uses, it uses very little. As long as I can afford it, I will try my damnest to make my kids childhood enjoyable. We go to the lake instead of going to the movies, my kids would rather me buy some minnows to fish with than some junky toy that will break 15 minutes after we get it home. We don't own a game boy or playstation, my kids ride bikes and play outside. I am trying to instill family values of being a family, being together, spending time together and having fun together lol and guess what if that requires me to buy gas to putter around in the boat or put gas in the SUV to pull the boat, then by god thats what i'll do.
Seems reasonable...but doesn't mean gas is a necessity for any of these three vehicles. Second - you stated that six years ago you received an increase from a job 280 miles away. Six years ago the price of gas was under a $1 a gallon. Maybe that "increase" isn't such an increase anymore...once again...a choice, not a necessity. The job I left 6 yrs ago is still available at the same wage. I may have to drive 200 miles a week more, but the job I have now, I love. The difference is gas is $30.00/week compared to a difference of 3,000.00/month more in earned income. Doesn't take an accountant to figure out I make a hell of a lot more money now and I love going to work. Yes it sucks driving 120 miles to work one way, but you can't have everything perfect.

Look I feel the pain just as much as anyone. Matter of fact two of our companies rely heavily on transportation of certain commodities. Our transportation costs have shot through the roof; however, we are finding ways to manage. We might even have to raise our prices to adjust for the cost. And as long as the demand is there, we will continue to raise the price, even in the event it increases our profits. Same rule applies to these publicly held gas companies...they are just adjusting their prices to increase their profit. Sucks for us....great for them! Barkiss I understand everything is about profit, if it wasn't why would any of us work. We all need money to survive, companies are not any different. No one would work for free or manufactor a product for free. My complaint is simply this, there are people in this country struggling to survive, granted a lot of it could be from mismanagement but there are those who simply can't continue to make ends meet. They can't afford to buy a new car that gets better gas mileage, or can't get a good paying job because of the lack of education, experience or job availability. I know people who have 20 bucks a week to survive on after they pay rent, fill up their car and put a few groceries in the fridge. That doesn't include, anything extra, nothing. The struggle to pay for utilities. This is America, no one should have to live like that. I feel for people like this, I've slipped 20 bucks in their purse, I've bought them dinner because they couldn't afford to buy it. I've given money to help buy groceries, I gave my gift card I got for my Christmas Bonus to a needy family. We have taken up money at work to help a patient's family buy enough gas to get back home. I have every right bitch about it, I know the difference between necessity and choice. I see what it is doing to people and I for one can't stand it.

[spare_change]

The Government, on the other hand, is a fiasco. Unrealistic EPA requirements, coupled with the tree hugger mentality of not drilling in the US, has crippled our ability to be self sufficient.

The $100 rebate is a joke -- a pure political ploy designed only to curry favor with the voters, not have any real impact on the problem. By the way, that is your $100 they want to give back to you.

The Government's sole mission in life is to be self-sustaining -- that is, to raise enough tax money to keep their programs funded, and thus, keep themselves employed. The government is not there to take care of social or economic ills. The government is there to keep the tax money flowing, and to create whatever programs are necessary to keep the citizenry placated while they do it.

It is NOT in the Government's best interest to lower the cost of fuel -- lower cost means lower taxes. Lower taxes means some government program gets cut, and some government worker gets laid off.

[spare_change]

Barkiss I understand everything is about profit, if it wasn't why would any of us work. We all need money to survive, companies are not any different. No one would work for free or manufactor a product for free. My complaint is simply this, there are people in this country struggling to survive, granted a lot of it could be from mismanagement but there are those who simply can't continue to make ends meet. They can't afford to buy a new car that gets better gas mileage, or can't get a good paying job because of the lack of education, experience or job availability. I know people who have 20 bucks a week to survive on after they pay rent, fill up their car and put a few groceries in the fridge. That doesn't include, anything extra, nothing. The struggle to pay for utilities. This is America, no one should have to live like that. I feel for people like this, I've slipped 20 bucks in their purse, I've bought them dinner because they couldn't afford to buy it. I've given money to help buy groceries, I gave my gift card I got for my Christmas Bonus to a needy family. We have taken up money at work to help a patient's family buy enough gas to get back home. I have every right bitch about it, I know the difference between necessity and choice. I see what it is doing to people and I for one can't stand it.

Sorry, Shiane -- I have to disagree. Whether we want to admit it or not, gas is NOT a necessity. It may require drastic changes in lifestyle -- but it is not a necessity. The amount of gas you consume is driven by the lifestyle choices you, and others, have made. The availability of gas allowed you to expand your living radius, and the nonavailability of gas should be causing you to retract your living radius.

You can get a different job - you can work a different place. You can ride a bike or walk to work. We can not own an Rv. We can not own a boat. We can change our recreation habits. All of these things are lifestyle choices --
I do agree, however, with one thing -- we certainly have the right to bitch about it. But, let's not bitch about the cost of gas - let's bitch about the lifestyle choices we made that are now costing us significantly because we didn't foresee the impact of rising fuel prices.

[Barkiss]

Barkiss I understand everything is about profit, if it wasn't why would any of us work. We all need money to survive, companies are not any different. No one would work for free or manufactor a product for free. My complaint is simply this, there are people in this country struggling to survive, granted a lot of it could be from mismanagement but there are those who simply can't continue to make ends meet. They can't afford to buy a new car that gets better gas mileage, or can't get a good paying job because of the lack of education, experience or job availability. I know people who have 20 bucks a week to survive on after they pay rent, fill up their car and put a few groceries in the fridge. That doesn't include, anything extra, nothing. The struggle to pay for utilities. This is America, no one should have to live like that. I feel for people like this, I've slipped 20 bucks in their purse, I've bought them dinner because they couldn't afford to buy it. I've given money to help buy groceries, I gave my gift card I got for my Christmas Bonus to a needy family. We have taken up money at work to help a patient's family buy enough gas to get back home. I have every right bitch about it, I know the difference between necessity and choice. I see what it is doing to people and I for one can't stand it.

Again...I never stated not to complain.

I commend you for everything you have done. You have a big heart!!! And I for one believe in kharma, so you will get everything back tenfold.

[Wet Beaver]

there is more taxes on oil than just what we pay at the pump...this is a little dated......but it shows all the taxes that is place on a barrel of oil....

http://www.eia.doe.gov/pub/oil_gas/petroleum/analysis_publications/oil_market_basics/Price_taxes.htm

[Shiane]

Sorry, Shiane -- I have to disagree. Whether we want to admit it or not, gas is NOT a necessity. Hunnie I love ya, but your full of shit with that one lol :kk It may require drastic changes in lifestyle -- but it is not a necessity. The amount of gas you consume is driven by the lifestyle choices you, and others, have made. The availability of gas allowed you to expand your living radius, and the nonavailability of gas should be causing you to retract your living radius. Who knows Spare, it may come down to it, but for now, I don't see my life changing.

You can get a different job - you can work a different place. You can ride a bike or walk to work. We can not own an Rv. We can not own a boat. We can change our recreation habits. All of these things are lifestyle choices -- Ya know I do realize I don't have to own a boat or RV, it is a choice. I made it and I have to live with it, and I enjoy them. I guess my philosophy is Life is meant to be enjoyed, if you don't enjoy life, what's the point of living at all. I don't know anyone who merely wants to survive, not even you.
I do agree, however, with one thing -- we certainly have the right to bitch about it. But, let's not bitch about the cost of gas - let's bitch about the lifestyle choices we made that are now costing us significantly because we didn't foresee the impact of rising fuel prices. I see it like this, most all of us have luxuries of some fashion. But, you can't raise the cost of fuel alone, it's a trickle down affect, it has and will impact everything even more in the future, necessities and luxuries alike. Every little thing from the price of a piece of gum to the cost of groceries, utilities, construction, healthcare, and last but not least transportation.

[spare_change]

I see it like this, most all of us have luxuries of some fashion. But, you can't raise the cost of fuel alone, it's a trickle down affect, it has and will impact everything even more in the future, necessities and luxuries alike. Every little thing from the price of a piece of gum to the cost of groceries, utilities, construction, healthcare, and last but not least transportation.

Absolutely -- in fact, it is one of the single industries that has such a far reaching effect. But, those costs are negligible compared to the direct cost of consumer consumption of oil products.


P.S. Of course, I'm full of BS. It's a male thing!

[Shiane]

Again...I never stated not to complain.

I commend you for everything you have done. You have a big heart!!! And I for one believe in kharma, so you will get everything back tenfold.

Hmmmm I think I'll wish for a long lost oil rich Saudi Uncle lol! :lmao

[Shiane]

P.S. Of course, I'm full of BS. It's a male thing!

OMG I had no idea! :na LOL yes hunnie I know ya are, thats why I love your sweet ass so damn much! :kk

[spare_change]

OMG I had no idea! :na LOL yes hunnie I know ya are, thats why I love your sweet ass so damn much! :kk

Wow!! You didn't even mention my ass last night!! Had a change of heart??

[Zpanther]

Supply and demand. Increase in demand for the same or less amount in supply will raise the price of anything. Oil isn't the only thing increasing our Cost of Living. Health care costs, for example, have been skyrocketing for years. Lots of people running around without any health insurance because they simply can't afford it. High oil prices substantially increase the taxes collected (our State currently has a surplus partly due to that.) Those taxes can be used to address health care issues or educational issues, or result in tax cuts that will allow us to keep more money to spend on fuel. Higher oil prices result in profits for oil companies and investors - increasing incentive to explore alternative energy sources, increased drilling, or rebuilding refinaries. It also provides incentives for people to conserve on fuel usage and reevaluate their finanical priorities. Europeans did that a long time ago..... now paying over $6.00 a gallon. We can do it too. All in all, it's probably necessary and may even be a good thing for us in the long run.

[Zpanther]

The increase in oil sector tax collections gives the government some options. It would seem to make sense for them to consider reducing taxes reasoning that the people paying taxes are employed and the ones who need to be able to keep more money to pay increased fuel costs or prices for public transportation. Will our representatives do that? Probably not. They usually don't. Rich folks' investments in the oil sector will more than likely offset increased fuel costs for them and they have money to fund lobbying for their interests. Poor people are likely to be unemployed and fuel is not as much a necessity as it is for working folks. They're not paying taxes so they and those representing their interests won't like it because a tax decrease won't help them.

......and you can probably expect government at all levels to use this an an opportunity to fund pork barrel or pet programs there is usually fierce competition for (see what the Senate is doing right now with the emergency funding measure for the Iraq War and Gulf Coast Recovery.)