The Watering Hole

Why are gas prices still high? $1.60ish at 9-11. Now, still averaging $360 plus a gallon. What up? Are we using more gas now than we were in 2001? Are the companies rapping our ass more?

Hookbender — Dec 15, 2012Why are gas prices still high? $1.60ish at 9-11. Now, still averaging $360 plus a gallon.

Wow, that is quite a jump!!!

Hookbender — Dec 15, 2012What up? Are we using more gas now than we were in 2001?

We've been using lotz more gas since 2001 or so... We burn it in other countries tho...  Not really what yer askin'...

Hookbender — Dec 15, 2012Are the companies rapping our ass more?

They may be, it's called the free market.  They get what you'll pay.  Of course our prices start low compared to much o' da world...

What's worse rapping or raping???  ;)

Rape Rap. It's one o' dem "enhanced" interrogation techniques...

Gas isn't a free market luxury item. It's a necessity. People have to cut back in other areas to compensate for higher gas prices. And oil companies are making record profits right now. Do you walk around with a paper bag over your head or what?  ;D

Actually, gas is a combination of a commodity and refinement.  You can trade (and I have) contracts and options for sweet crude and unleaded gas.  These are open markets and help control the overall costs (reduces spikes and dips).  That's what the commodity market is supposed to do.  The extra costs and price manipulation happen after refinement where, apparently, anything goes lately.  Refineries have been unavailable for real and completely manufactured reasons over the last few years allowing the providers to jack up the prices.   Add in all of the taxations and bumps for seasonal additives and you get really stupid pricing (at least for a product that is not in a shortage - this doesn't apply to other countries).

Look. To the average Joe, the need for gas isn't at all a luxury item. Its a must have. People have to have gas in their cars so they can get to work. People can't, for the most part, decide gas is to high and simply not buy it anymore.

Hookbender — Dec 15, 2012Why are gas prices still high? $1.60ish at 9-11. Now, still averaging $360 plus a gallon. What up? Are we using more gas now than we were in 2001? Are the companies rapping our ass more?

If you stop buying it, they will lower the prices, guaranteed.  I agree though, jumping from $1.60 to $360 a gallon seems very high. What are you putting in your car, rocket fuel?  Even in California, it's only $3.40-something, that's a full $356 less than you are paying. ;)

Hooky's not really a "details" man.  ;)

Hookbender — Dec 16, 2012Gas isn't a free market luxury item. It's a necessity. People have to cut back in other areas to compensate for higher gas prices. And oil companies are making record profits right now. Do you walk around with a paper bag over your head or what?  ;D

Oh, can I save this one forever, and quote it every time you rant about the government getting involved in anything?  Because you are now advocating government intervention in the market for petroleum, of all things. As if people need gas? (by the way, people in big cities who rely on mass transit, many of whom never get a car or even a license, would be surprised to learn it's a necessity.)

As in this example:

Gas Health care isn't a free market luxury item. It's a necessity. People have to cut back in other areas to compensate for higher gas health care prices. And oil companies insurers are making record profits right now. Do you walk around with a paper bag over your head or what?  ;D

You better quit being mean to me.  ;D

Gee Charger, you're so thick sometimes!  Don't you realize that Hooky doesn't need health care right now?  He needs gas.  :D

That's the problem... by the time you need health care, it's too late to buy it... at least under the old system.
I will say this... if gas is a necessity, that's news to me.  Most people wouldn't rank gas above clean water, food, shelter... health?

I didn't say it was above any of those things. I certainly think it's on par with them though. The world doesn't operate like New York does.