Area drivers feel pinch of costly gas
Friday, February 29, 2008 5:30 AM PST
By Thacher Schmid
tschmid@tdn.com
Printable version
E-mail this articleKris Guist of Rainier called her family's one-ton truck a "yard ornament."
Chuck Halk of Longview has a prosthetic leg and depends on his Ford pickup to get around. He called rising gas prices "ridiculous" and "sad" and worried that if they keep going up, "I'll have to take the CUBS, and those ain't no fun."
The average price of a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in the Longview-Kelso area Thursday was at $3.38 -- within a nickel of the all-time record of $3.43 per gallon set in May of 2007. Prices have skyrocketed 16 cents in six days.
Unfortunately, said Marie Dodds, the Portland spokeswoman for AAA auto club, the price is likely to keep rising - even the dreaded $4 gallon of gas is "very possible," she said.
"We wouldn't be surprised to see $4.50, $4.75," Dodds said. "The sad truth is that most Americans do rely on their automobiles to get around. When gas prices are this high, it causes a lot of pain."
The exasperation was clearly written on motorists' faces at gas stations around the Lower Columbia, where some drivers said they were curtailing trips to Portland, or even from Columbia Heights into Longview.
In the Lower Columbia, where the $3.38 per gallon average price was the same as the state average.
Senior citizens on a fixed income are being hit especially hard. When asked about gas at the pumps, several seniors saw it as yet another increase in the cost of living.
"It doesn't really help to get angry," said Bob Lee of Longview. "Retired people on fixed incomes, as we are, also become concerned."
Other seniors at the pumps Thursday pointed out they received a 2 percent cost of living increase in Social Security checks this year, not near enough to keep up with rising gas prices
Dodds encouraged motorists to "shop around," explaining that "it's amazing how much prices can vary within a small area." Some of the lowest prices found by a reporter during a drive-around Thursday included the Arco on Tennant Way and 15th Ave in Longview; the Arco on 38th and Ocean Beach in Longview; the Quick Stop on S. Pacific Ave. in Kelso; the Flying K on W. Main and First Ave. in Kelso.
Dodds said that with motorists gearing up for spring break, stakes are high.
"It will be intersting to see where prices are in a month when we set out for spring break," she said.
Observer wrote on Feb 29, 2008 6:21 AM:
" I still, and will continue, to say these increases are nonsense. They can use all the excuses they want but for gas to jump so much everytime a holiday or other high driving time approaches is ridiculous. It IS price gouging at its worst. No different than if price of turkeys made a huge jump the week before Thanksgiving. And for shopping around? Remember, if you drive 20 miles round trip to save 10 cents on a 20 gallon fill up (saving $2), you probably burned a minimum of $5 in gas to save that $2. "
Kelso Guy wrote on Feb 29, 2008 7:27 AM:
" The only thing positive I can say is if they go up to 4.50 a gallon my wife will let me buy a motorcycle, vrooomm..... "
Four Banger! wrote on Feb 29, 2008 8:01 AM:
" I laugh at all the dudes that think their cool in their jacked up 4x4's. Keep sucking up the gas and diesel with your big V8's! I'm really impressed! Whooo hoooo! As I'm cruising by in my new 2007 four banger 4x4, I'll wave to you as you're pumping $100-$200 worth of fuel at the gas station. Suckers! "
Jerry wrote on Feb 29, 2008 8:43 AM:
" I am in Vegas this morning. The price for Chevron regular is $3.05. Why does the price very so much. "
Wow wrote on Feb 29, 2008 8:44 AM:
" Going to cost 25 buck to mow the lawn.I guess it will just grow lot longer. "
RAW wrote on Feb 29, 2008 8:48 AM:
" Help me with one, The differents between stations and towns is so very vast. $3.35 here and then you see $3.29. If the gas stations are paying the same price for gas why such a differents in price. And when you have that worked out then explain how the gas in Oregon is cheaper and they pump it for you.
Summer is coming and the big oil companies are getting their share of our vacation dollars. We are forced to stay close to home in order to have a vacation. That little rebate check uncle Sam is sending us will need to be used to buy gas... "
Summer is coming and the big oil companies are getting their share of our vacation dollars. We are forced to stay close to home in order to have a vacation. That little rebate check uncle Sam is sending us will need to be used to buy gas... "
4X4 wrote on Feb 29, 2008 8:56 AM:
" Filled up my F-250 w/dual tanks at the Lexington Chevron this morning at $3.46 gallon for regular = $118 OUCH!!!
Guess that's why I've only put about 1700 miles on my truck over the last year. The oil men we have leading our country need to pad their pockets as well as their buddies a little more before they're gone. That's why I bought a litte piece of junk 1.8L 4 banger for my work car. "
Guess that's why I've only put about 1700 miles on my truck over the last year. The oil men we have leading our country need to pad their pockets as well as their buddies a little more before they're gone. That's why I bought a litte piece of junk 1.8L 4 banger for my work car. "
Telling the truth wrote on Feb 29, 2008 9:16 AM:
" There is absolutely no excuse for the gas prices except for the oil executives who are feeling the need to line their deep pockets. The oil executives have made billions off of the American people; soon nobody is going to be able to afford to drive to work!! Take for instance the man who calls himself the leader of our country, what a joke that is. Remember America is an oilman and believe me he is filling his pockets up before he leaves office. You know, I always wondered what happened to the guy who was on the front of Mad Magazine. "
Just a Fact wrote on Feb 29, 2008 9:18 AM:
" I read in an article (I can't remember where) that Exxon made $9 BILLION dollars PROFIT last year. So if they make that in PROFIT, why are prices so high? I understand oil is high but the cost of a quart of oil hasn't increase like gas has. And there is probably more oil in a quart of oil than in a gallon of gas. Kind of fishy that gas is so expensive because oil is high but gas companies make BILLIONS of dollar profit!!! And that's not the total they made! Ridiculous!!!! "
Suck it up wrote on Feb 29, 2008 9:20 AM:
" The only way we are going to ever convince them to stop is to hurt their pocket books. And that means No Driving without absolute necessity... Car Pooling, whether it's 'convenient' or not.. planning every trip around how to use the least amount of gas. If we don't intentionally reduce the amount of gas we buy in order to make them lose money on the deal... they will never ever stop gouging us. I don't think we can do it... So... tighten up the old belts, this ride is just getting started... you think $4.00 sounds scary... wait till they start talking $5.00.. It won't be long. Unless AND until America figures out a way to work together and "hurt" them in the wallet... they win. "
To Raw wrote on Feb 29, 2008 9:33 AM:
" Gas is more expensive in Washington due to our state taxes being higher on fuel. Also all gas companies do not pay the same for gas, contrary to popular belief. Your "Premium" high end stations (Shell, Chevron Etc) do additives to their gas to help with engine gunk build up and other things. This is not just a myth but actual and their gas comes from different refineries. "
Gassed out wrote on Feb 29, 2008 9:48 AM:
" We think this is just another way for the government to put more money in their pocket.Soon we will catch up to Europe's gas prices. "
clay1976 wrote on Feb 29, 2008 10:02 AM:
" People wonder why the country is in a recession. How will anyone afford anything after spending all their money on gas? The government will give us a few hundred bucks back to boost the economy, woo hoo. That'll be gone in a couple months, spent on gas. How about doing something to reduce the gas prices for good. That would leave a lot more money for people to spend elsewhere. Seems like a no-brainer to me. I know, easier said than done. "
ggmo wrote on Feb 29, 2008 10:02 AM:
" It is nothing uncommon to see tanker trucks of all sorts of different brands (Shell, Chevron, etc.) in line at the same refinery. They add their own propritary additives to their trucks then, "fill 'er up". Been there, seen it. You're (mostly) paying for their different additives, but certainly for their advertising.
On a different note, Exxon-Mobil was making 9 billion profit IN A QUARTER. But not to worry, our President, Prince Abdullah (aka Bush in Saudi Arabia) says inflation's no worry and the economy is fundamentally strong. Too bad he doesn't have to reach into his own pocket to pay for the JP4 that Air Force One gulps, let alone his presidential limo. "
On a different note, Exxon-Mobil was making 9 billion profit IN A QUARTER. But not to worry, our President, Prince Abdullah (aka Bush in Saudi Arabia) says inflation's no worry and the economy is fundamentally strong. Too bad he doesn't have to reach into his own pocket to pay for the JP4 that Air Force One gulps, let alone his presidential limo. "
cut back wrote on Feb 29, 2008 10:20 AM:
" well,when people dont blink an eye at forking out 3-4 dollars for a cup of COFFEE, what can you expect? Its a pain, yes, but everything else is going up also. Its just a matter of cutting back on those extras. And for people who claim they are low income and it causes severe hardship, how much are those smokes??? "
To Raw wrote on Feb 29, 2008 10:35 AM:
" I understand the Chevron, Shell etc get their gas from different refineries, but why is the Kelso Safeway gas higher than the Longview Safeway gas, and why is Woodland Safeway gas even higher? They all get their gas from the same distributor, just as they do their bread and milk but they don't charge different prices those items. Arco also gets their gas from the same distributor, but all 3 local stations usually have different prices. Actually I was at the Arco in Kelso about a year ago and over heard them talking about what price they were going to raise their price to. They setteled on a price after seeing what Fred Meyer and Safeway were charging and adding 3 cents. "
Louie wrote on Feb 29, 2008 10:36 AM:
" A Toyota Prius is beginning to look better and better. My brother bought one a year ago and he can get over 50 MPG driving in town and on a road trip last spring he averaged about 45 MPG. It was only a month ago I paid $2.86 a gallon at Safeway. Prices are going up faster than they normally do. Did you hear the comment from GWB yesterday, "gee, $4.00 a gallon for gas? I didn't hear that!" Pull your head out George. "
To: To Raw wrote on Feb 29, 2008 10:38 AM:
" I realize that the state gas tax in Washington is higher in Oregon than in Washington.(Actually Washing has the 6th highest gas tax in the nation). But how much does Oregon have to upcharge their gas to pay for the pump monkies? "
Profit and Tax wrote on Feb 29, 2008 10:43 AM:
" Look at how long the gas companies have been making these outrageous profits (since the 70's ??). They expect it now, and so do their stock holders. If (BIG IF) everyone were to not buy gas for 2 weeks even, the companies would just raise their prices again so they could meet their profit projections. "
good! wrote on Feb 29, 2008 10:44 AM:
" This is the only way that Americans will curb their gas usage. What will we all do when peak oil comes, oh wait it is here. "
CR Res wrote on Feb 29, 2008 11:11 AM:
" To Cut Back; To compare the price of a cup of coffee to a gallon of gas is just as ridicules as comparing it to a gallon of milk, it's just stupid. Buy 25-60 cups of coffee or 25-60 gallons of milk at a time and you will be complaining about the price also. We need to quit acting like lemmings and and stop supporting these companies. "
Kids wrote on Feb 29, 2008 11:13 AM:
" I'm sure there are some people this has impacted, but I don't see a reduction of drivers on the road. How many people are restricting the amount of driving their kids do? I really doubt teenagers need to drive themselves to school. After all, that's what we have school buses for. "
Longview mom wrote on Feb 29, 2008 11:29 AM:
" the gas prices are getting outrageous so my husband is looking at a scooter and me....well I cram appts for 5 kids and myself into one day to conserve gas...guess this summer we will see alot more bikes and walkers.
. "
. "
RE: To Cut Back wrote on Feb 29, 2008 11:37 AM:
" I don't go to the Coffee shops to buy my coffee nor do I smoke and the gas prices are still a pain in my you know what. As long as the gas prices go up so is everything else and the simple fact for that is..Truckers are delivery the goods and they also have to pay the high cost of diesel..Think about it. "
Blame Cantwell and Murray wrote on Feb 29, 2008 11:59 AM:
" For those looking to blame, start with your Senators Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray. The both voted against opening more of the Artic to drilling. The have also fought efforts to increas drilling in the lower 48 states. Seems to me that the Democrats want us to be dependent on Arab oil. Yet all the Democrats can do is blame President Bush. Now how does that work? No drilling means more Arab dependence. More Arab dependences means higher pricers. President favors more drilling, Democrats don't. So the president is the problem, right? Well the Liberal Democrats sure want to sell that one. "
Share the Road wrote on Feb 29, 2008 12:09 PM:
" Just remember when you get pi$$ed off for having to slow down for 5 seconds for the bicyclist that every bicycle on the road is less money in your gas tank. "
Not a New Idea wrote on Feb 29, 2008 12:12 PM:
" but it is a good one...we need to nationally organize our truckers and all of us to park their loads and our vehicles in the middle of every major thoroughfare for 24 hours. GRIDLOCK! Don't buy fuel in really pricey areas for a week. Can't we all get along for one week? If we can't afford to buy the products at the end of the transportation line, they might just as well sit in the middle of the freeway where they'll get some attention! It might annoy some of us who will have to sleep at the office for the night, but BOY OH BOY would it shake up the oil industry when they realize WE OUTNUMBER THEM. "
expose' wrote on Feb 29, 2008 12:28 PM:
" Why won't TDN send out their crack team of investigative reports and print this area's gas station's source. Exactly where does thier gas come from. Everyone needs to boycott foreign oil. "
Hauskapoika wrote on Feb 29, 2008 1:26 PM:
" Stop blaming everyone and deal with reality. NO president controls the oil companies or oil prices - that is impossible unless congress and the president constitutionally invoke emergency price controls. We do not live in a communist or dictatorship country. The oil companies are in business to make profits, but they too are paying higher prices on the world spot market. At the same time, if you cut oil company profits, dividends to investors will fall, stock prices will fall, and there will be less money for research, exploration, and distribution, so gas prices would have to go even higher. Our largest oil supplies come from Canada - not the middle east - but if there is any cut off of supplies, such as Saddam tried to do, you will see unprecedented price increases as world oil shortages become prevalent. It is a VERY tenous situation, so be prepared. "
Hannah wrote on Feb 29, 2008 2:04 PM:
" On average, I drive twice a week. Once to do all my errands and once to go to church. I drive 60mph because I have found that I can get an extra 40 miles out of a tank of gas by reducing my speed. I stay in the right lane so as not to affect traffic. And yet, the cost of gas is getting to the point that I may have to cut back even further. I wonder when government officials will realize that they are cutting off their noses to spite their faces? The more gas costs, the less money goes into the economy. I know it's more complicated than this, but penalizing the middle class (see the other article on highway tolls) will only cause negative economic consequences. There is only so much money a family can earn and there is only so much they can scale-back their budget. Increases in costs of gas, food, taxes, etc. will end up breaking our backs. Then what? "
True... wrote on Feb 29, 2008 2:18 PM:
" The gas prices are ridiculous and insane. But a $5 Starbucks every day for a month equals $150.00 which will get you at least a tank of gas, probably a tank and a half or more if you drive a smaller car. People (myself included) really are going to have to do some cutting back, because in our small community with an inadequate public transportation system, driving is a necessity for most of us. "
ANWAR! ANWAR! wrote on Feb 29, 2008 2:26 PM:
" Hey Politicos, time to get off your "Eco trip", and "not in my back yard" thinking and start drilling in ANWAR and off the West Coast and in the Gulf of Mexico to help give us some releif. Also time to to re-regulate some of the Eco rules and let some refineries to be built. The ones who are controling the prices know that they have us over a barrel because our country won't do a thing to help stabelize the prices. "
wastful wrote on Feb 29, 2008 2:50 PM:
" I am seeing kids driving to school (when a school bus will do) when they have no after school activities, also, driving off campus for lunch, big waste. I drive a jacked up truck because its kind of hard to haul wood or concrete blocks in a honda. They also tend to get stuck in the mudholes if you take them out hunting for meat that doesnt contain hormones and is not cloned. I dont think an extra 15 dollars a week for gas is going to break me. But I dont waste my trips. I drive my truck when I need to, otherwise I drive a toyota. "
RE: Hauskapoika wrote on Feb 29, 2008 3:10 PM:
" Does anyone understand the REAL situation here? Really, before you talk about communism and dictatorships and the like, dig in and become more informed. I am ashamed of Americans who spout this garbage without informing themselves. OIL COMPANIES ARE HEAVILY SUBSIDIZED. If I could place more emphasis on HEAVILY, I would. If you have the ability to understand this concept, you will come to the realization that the American taxpayer HAS ALREADY PAID enough. We have paid for the oil companies to build refineries, replace outdated equipment, update and maintain pipelines, purchase newer and greener equipment, and transport the product. Using these "expenses" as a way to convince the people of this country that they HAVE to pay these ridiculous prices has been a fantastic piece of propaganda. And, your position shows how Americans really are influenced by television. This bull being slung around about the oil companies having the right to gouge because we aren't communists is some economic novice's spew. If they are able to make such hefty profits, then we need to disqualify them from the subsidies and push that revenue back into the taxpayer's pocket to aid in the generation of economic growth. Your position essentially mean that on my $175,000 annual salary, I would qualify for welfare, medical and food stamps. You say it is my right to obtain the benefits and make a hefty profit, too. It would be communistic to place a cap on my earning potential. Absurd! "
ThereGoesThatTriptoHawaii wrote on Feb 29, 2008 3:15 PM:
" The most unfortunate part about all of this is that gas companies break their own quarterly profit records one quarter after another. It would be one thing if Exxon/Mobile were laying off vast amounts of people, and expressed concern that they might not last in a brutal economy. That's simply not the case. Record profits. Every quarter. Yet gas prices keep going up. Bah! "
RE: To Raw wrote on Feb 29, 2008 3:19 PM:
" This is to the 2nd TO RAW. The prices are different because of different locations. Most people traveling through on I-5 are not going to venture into town to get gas, so the gas stations close to the freeways charge more because they will get it from travelers. So, locals, go into town to get cheaper gas. "
ritch get ritcher pore get steped on wrote on Feb 29, 2008 3:28 PM:
" im on fixed income and i dont smoke drink or drink coffie and i still cant drive with the prices the gas is but its not easy to ride bus its too far away i think its jest a way to increase things jest to see how hi everyone will pay befor they stop to get profit it dont mater who gest steped on in the way to riches "
applepie wrote on Feb 29, 2008 3:56 PM:
" I have always woundered how the price of fuel can go up every day, sometimes twice a day. The Station owner/operator buys 1000 gallons at $X.XX per gallon. He has to charged .20 more per gallon to cover his cost. Then does the supplier call and tells him that he has to raise the price on the gas he has all ready bought, or does he just raises it himself to make more profit? He still has part of the original 1000 gallons that he bought at $X.XX. Who is doing the ripping off? "
Canadian Dan wrote on Feb 29, 2008 3:57 PM:
" I paid $1.17 per liter today in Vancouver, BC. That's $4.42 per gallon. Get ready for it. "
Wake up and smell the fumes wrote on Feb 29, 2008 4:06 PM:
" Complain all you want about the price of gas, it won't do any good. Drill all you want and it won't help either. Peak oil production has passed and the bell curve dictates a very fast crash to the petroleum based economy. Catch a clue and get a hybrid car, use the feet God gave you to walk around, ride a bicycle and take your vacation at home in your own yard. Buy locally produced foods and do withput strawberries in January. Get off your fat butt and grow a garden! Oil is a finite resource and until we come up with an alternative this problem will only get worse. There are other fuels that can be used but you're all opposed to having the refinery in your backyard. Think natural gas made from poop, it works in other parts of the world, why not here? Check out this idea at http://www.wired.com/science/planetearth/news/2005/07/68127
Time for some new ways to approach this problem, complaining about it gets you nowhere fast. "
Time for some new ways to approach this problem, complaining about it gets you nowhere fast. "
A Mom wrote on Feb 29, 2008 4:24 PM:
" About 3 years ago, my son bought a '96 Chev Cavalier that got over 40 mpg on the hwy. If they were able to do that with fuel mileage back then, why can't it be done now? Or even exceed that? It just makes you wonder who is holding back the technology to get better gas mileage. "
LIBERTY'S right wrote on Feb 29, 2008 4:26 PM:
" thanks G.W.,for telling Venezuala that we have enough Domestic Oil to fill our needs throught this 21st Century.THE PRESIDENT of VENUZUALA told the U.N. your a devil!And w/ Condalisa have a nice retirememt in DUBAI. "
Califiornian wrote on Feb 29, 2008 6:04 PM:
" Oil companies SUBSIDIZED? That's a bunch of bull. Please enlighten us with your sources. Hauskapoika is absolutely right. Hauskapoika only said that the president does not, and cannot control prices - only communist and dictatorship countries can do that. I worked for a large oil company when I lived in Seattle, and we never saw those fictional subsidies you mention. Tell us how to get these subsidies, and then the oil companies can use these subsideies to lower prices. Further, if we stop paying oil companies for their products, they are out of business, and you will be walking. Hauskapoika did not even mention capping your earnings, so where did that come from? So, in your opinion, everyone but you is stupid. Please, your grace, favor us with your
exalted knowledge. "
exalted knowledge. "
Flippycanaryious wrote on Feb 29, 2008 6:15 PM:
" To Re:Hauskapoika - Your response makes no sense. You read things into what Hauskapoiks said that weren't even stated or implied. I think you need to read that again. I mostly agree with
Hauskapoika, but I seriously doubt your statement that oil companies are heavily subsidized. C'mon, tell us where you got that information so we can check the veracity of your statement. "
Hauskapoika, but I seriously doubt your statement that oil companies are heavily subsidized. C'mon, tell us where you got that information so we can check the veracity of your statement. "
Joe wrote on Feb 29, 2008 6:43 PM:
" Seariously don't you people pay attention to all the news...instead of just listening to what your red neck neighbor told you...the whole reason is not supply and demand, look at the fricking market...inventories are rising, demand is dropping, yet prices keep going up, that is NOT supply and demand, that is called ...people are buying "oil" as a hedge...just like gold...or even two years ago...the housing market... hedge funds and the rich see it as a way to make more money..THAT IS DRIVING THE PRICE sky high..and not until the government changes how oil futures can be traded will things change...something that is so essential to out eceonomy SHOULD NOT be activly traded like stocks...look what has happened to our housing market..if anyones doesn't believe this..look into it as much as I have...and you will realize the only reason it it that high is because of INVESTORS... "
Shell Oil Employee wrote on Feb 29, 2008 8:00 PM:
" I work for Shell Oil in Houston. I am a very low player. But they just let 3,000 employees go because the margins were not good enough. They are forcing there hourly employees at the Deer Park refinery to be on call and stand by on there days off to save $$. Hire less staff because they are not makeing enough.They are also telling the hourly rank and file to expect a huge cut in bennefits also. The oil giant profited $28 Billion last year and its not enough. The greed is gross and hard to beleive or understand. "
Saw it coming... wrote on Feb 29, 2008 8:08 PM:
" We saw this coming when gas was edging towards $2 a gallon. We began a shift in how we operated. I changed careers, and now work at home. My commute is 3 feet. As an added bonus, I make a lot more $, and get to keep a lot more. My spouse works 4.5 miles from home, in the lowland, us on the hill. He walks about 40% of the time - weather and circumstances allowing. We only drive one of our two cars. The gas guzzler is parked, and probably won't ever sell because it's a beast - a wonderful one albeit - a classic actually. But our little beercan with wheels does just great for us...about 33 on the hwy and 27 in town. That's waaay higher than it's supposed to get, but we don't have A/C and we don't have all the other crap that zaps mileage, and we drive properly to get the economy. We do the same in our house. It's a game with us to conserve. The problem is, you're all standing in the middle of the game, and you're refusing to play, so you just keep getting slammed with the ball. Get over yourselves and be smarter than the situation. "
Bill wrote on Feb 29, 2008 8:24 PM:
" Why is gas up? Just over six months ago the Canadian dollar was about 98 cents and the EURO about a buck eight. The EURO is now a buck fifty two today and going up. Oil is purchassed on the world market and our Yankee doller is tanking fast due our spending habits "
ghost boy wrote on Feb 29, 2008 8:30 PM:
" If we could build more refineries in this country then the prices would not be so high.So we can thank the environmentalist for that.I know all you bush bashers don't want to here that. "
Lower prices? wrote on Feb 29, 2008 8:41 PM:
" You want to force oil companies to lower the prices? There's only only way to do it.Drive less,sorry but it's that simple.We have shown the oil companies we will pay what ever it takes to get where we want to go.They will charge whatever the market will bear.Until we say enough, I'm not paying that much they will keep raising it.
"
"
Well... wrote on Feb 29, 2008 9:32 PM:
" Why doesnt everyone do what I did? Buy A Geo Metro or the equivalent. Do what I do. Drive your geo metro back and forth to work, and then drive the not-so-good-on-gas lifted toyota for pleasure. And the toyota still gets 25 MPG. But you can't beat 45 MPG in a geo. And their are plenty of them out there, go get one and stop complaining!! "
econ major @ WWU wrote on Mar 1, 2008 12:14 AM:
" For all you who don't understand why gas prices are going up, let me give you the reasons:
1. increased use in China and India (drives up demand)
2. soon to be switching to the summer grade fuel (drives up supply costs)
3. spring break is coming, thus people travel more (driving up demand)
4. that gas tax from a few year ago, remember that? the whole 10 cents still hasn't been fazed in
BUT HARK! There are options!
1. lifted trucks, ginormous horsepower engines (when are you honestly going to use all those horses?) mean that you use more gas, increasing demand, driving up prices for EVERYONE!
2. Priuses (Priui?) are fantabulous. Nice, roomy, and what's that? 50 MPG? Better in the city than the freeway? Perfect for Cowlitz County? YOU DON'T SAY! (decreases demand)
3. limiting/combining trips
So all these increases in demand and decreases in supply lead to HIGHER PRICES! It is NOT price gouging! Anyway, it is NOT illegal for OPEC to do this because they are not run in the United States, which has cartels as ILLEGAL! If OPEC were in the US, they would be shipped off to jail, lickity-split.
If you're looking to buy a new car, DO make it a hybrid because gas prices won't ever be what they were in 2000...they probably won't get below even $2.50 again. Maybe even $3 after this summer, who knows?
"
1. increased use in China and India (drives up demand)
2. soon to be switching to the summer grade fuel (drives up supply costs)
3. spring break is coming, thus people travel more (driving up demand)
4. that gas tax from a few year ago, remember that? the whole 10 cents still hasn't been fazed in
BUT HARK! There are options!
1. lifted trucks, ginormous horsepower engines (when are you honestly going to use all those horses?) mean that you use more gas, increasing demand, driving up prices for EVERYONE!
2. Priuses (Priui?) are fantabulous. Nice, roomy, and what's that? 50 MPG? Better in the city than the freeway? Perfect for Cowlitz County? YOU DON'T SAY! (decreases demand)
3. limiting/combining trips
So all these increases in demand and decreases in supply lead to HIGHER PRICES! It is NOT price gouging! Anyway, it is NOT illegal for OPEC to do this because they are not run in the United States, which has cartels as ILLEGAL! If OPEC were in the US, they would be shipped off to jail, lickity-split.
If you're looking to buy a new car, DO make it a hybrid because gas prices won't ever be what they were in 2000...they probably won't get below even $2.50 again. Maybe even $3 after this summer, who knows?
"
LaDell wrote on Mar 1, 2008 4:06 AM:
" It doesn't matter if you shop around it is still ungodly high and there will always be an EXCUSE as to why it keeps going up. Even though we are all telling them we aren't driving as much etc. etc. There has to be some control over this and if I knew who to contact or what to do, I would be first in line. "
Tommy wrote on Mar 1, 2008 6:49 AM:
" I'm living in Norway, Europe. We are currently paying 12.5 Nkr/liter gas. That's like $9.45 per gallon... "
Former Arco Employee wrote on Mar 1, 2008 9:30 AM:
" re: To Raw the reason that Arco change their prices daily or multiple times a day is because they do a survey every day of the area gas stations. They then will adjust their prices accordingly (usually 3-10 cents cheaper). This has no bearing on what they paid for the price of the fuel tank that brought the gas in which everything else you buy ie:food, clothing etc. is based on the price they are charged for the product. "
mit wrote on Mar 1, 2008 10:08 AM:
" hmmn, a sidecar for my motorcycle is looking better all the time. If gas hits $4.50-$4.75 I'm buying a moped as well for those "quick trips" to the store or to pay a few bills and such. Many mopeds get 70 to 100 mpg and cost very little to purchase and don't require insurance in this state. It's looking better all the time. It sure would be nice if they lowered safety standards, and made a sub-class of cars that were light and effecient but not exactly the safest to get hit hard in(light and effecient won't pass "safety standards" nowadays). I would buy it. I ride a motorcycle, it would still be safer than that!!! Put tiny fuel efficient engines in them with very little "extras", just something cheap and efficient. But alas, that will never happen as soo many of us need to be "protected" by our government. Poor poor sheeple. "
BUSHIT wrote on Mar 1, 2008 10:49 AM:
" I read that Exxon made 1,894.00 per minute last year! Thats every minute of every hour of every day!!! How much money is enough?? As the Bush era continues, the rich continue to get richer, almost as quickly as the middle class is disappearing! PATHETIC (even scarier, we the people won't truely feel George W's damage for another 5 years) "
Hide Behind wrote on Mar 1, 2008 11:26 AM:
" You want pleasures without paying for them? City is improving its bus routes , what is needed is a county wide and from that a statewide transportation system that makes your auto less necessary.It will mean a more regimented society for at least 80% of population and more, as of old, people living very close to where they work with mainly the very affluent being able to use mass transit to commute to work or drive if they want.More on the European model or as in Japan. Get used to it and as more recogniton of autos beign a luxury and not a necessary mode of travel gas will continue to climb.All oil production is made up of cartels, yes those in US as well, and wether you walk in future or drive an auto they will not suffer one whit of profit loss. Oil is even tighter controlled than the diamond markets. Governments in ME oil are corproations and here in states feds do indeed have vast influence over oil from merges to cost of drilling and shipping. Well oil has controll of feds, a partnership so to speak.It is not oil it is energy that is being talked about and less gasoline just means more usesage in fertilizers, chemicals, plastics and even pharmaceuticals is available. Cry all you want but change you must.Better to do it on own then have gov demand it of you, "OR ELSE". "
Old School wrote on Mar 1, 2008 12:31 PM:
" I've been in the automotive industry for quite some time now and I am laughing at a lot of this. Hybrids are NOT the answer, you want to be what's worse for the environment One million tons of carbon monoxide or 1200 pounds of lithium in the landfill? Which is the weight of 2 prius battery packs which will be disposed of before the hybrid makes it to the crusher? Carbon has it's way of making it back to where it came from does battery grade lithium? 1000 years from now the CO from your gasoline engine will be gone the batteries will still be there. No don't get me wrong these automobile manufacturers are making good attempts but this technology is not the wave of the future, the 1918 Wood's Phaeton was a gas electric as were submarines from the first world war to the 60's this is not some new technology. with oil use at 20,000,000 barrels a day in the US alone this isn't going to last for ever. If you sold a product that was in high demand and your supplier was not going to produce it any longer would you keep the price the same? Or jack it up to make high profits before the supply runs dry? Common sense if you ask me. Do the research before you complain, do your part before you blame, keep an open mind and together we'll solve this problem. "
DisgustedAndFrustrated wrote on Mar 1, 2008 1:21 PM:
" Gas prices are beginning to get scarey and frightening. But there is one group that love it... they are the environmentalists who have a tight grip on the democratic party and who have been busy for years restricting our drilling (ANWAR, the gulf of Mexico, off the coast of Oregon, California, etc) and building new refinery capacity. They clap their hands with delight everytime they successfully prevent harvesting of fossil fuels.
We know what the answer is to our fuel problems. We must increase supplies. But that ain't gonna happen as long as you keep putting democratic environmentalists in charge. It appears that you will continue putting these people in charge so... quit complaining. "
We know what the answer is to our fuel problems. We must increase supplies. But that ain't gonna happen as long as you keep putting democratic environmentalists in charge. It appears that you will continue putting these people in charge so... quit complaining. "
El Gabilon wrote on Mar 1, 2008 1:27 PM:
" If you live in Longview and work in Longview, ride a bike and shop once every two weeks using the car. One might also ask "How much tax, federal and state is added to the price of gas?" Oil companies have been receiving subsidies for years totaling around 18 billion dollars. If you do not write your congressperson and DEMAND STRICT CONTROL OF GAS PRICES you will continue to be taken advantage of. You should also demand that food products such as corn not be allowed to make bio fuel as this increases the cost of food. Express your outrage...it only costs .41 cents and free on email. "
Warning - CRYBABIES found in Longview! wrote on Mar 1, 2008 2:41 PM:
" I laugh uproariously at 99% of you. You are babies and you are whiners. You believe that as an American, you were born with a golden gas nozzle inserted into your hind end... and you cry louder each time it is withdrawn and quiet each time it is reinserted. Look at the world around you, you greedy little examples of Americanism. What makes you and your disgustingly expanding gut deserve that which you believe to be your born ENTITLEMENT? Go live in a mud shack and walk 5, 10 or 20 miles each way for your suppies. This is how the world lives. Your fat *ss would keel over dead at the thought of what many in this world go through on a daily basis. I drive a big gas guzzler too. I, however, realize my place in this world and do not complain over being asked to pay what others have paid for years before me. Stop and think for a second please, before you cram another bite of that gooey triple bacon cheese whatever down your throat. "
danahan01 wrote on Mar 1, 2008 3:06 PM:
" Bill got it right. The U.S. dollar is tanking and it takes alot more dollars to buy oil. When will the people of America get it. We have lost control of our government. Instead of government by the people for the people, we have government that comes at the people. And if you don't conform to the government whims, they punish us with higher taxes on smoking, higher taxes on the size of the engine in your car, higher taxes on people who drive more, higher taxes on fat, higher taxes on the kind and type of food you buy. The government of this country is out of control, and we are to blame. We allowed this to happen. What we need is a nationalist movement with conservative ideals. What will it take??? I ask all of you to think about it...... "
in the industry wrote on Mar 1, 2008 3:27 PM:
" about 8 billion per year in subsidies. Google "oil co profits". These have been in effect for many administrations, so you have to blame both parties. The lower value of the dollar, means we pay more also. Emerging economies such as China and India are increasing world demand. Yes stations raise prices to make more profit even though they have less expensive product in their tanks. But when they buy gas and the prices go down and they have to lower their prices to stay competitive, they lose profit. Corporate greed is rampant in America, and the big will just get bigger and no more for the small guy. Nothing that happens on the street, makes any difference. It is all controlled by big oil, and their distributors. "
to apple pie wrote on Mar 1, 2008 3:33 PM:
" Hey apple pie, what do you think happens when your example goes the other way? some stations buy and then costs can fall and they have to lower their prices to stay competitive. Is that ripping you off. Wow nice logic. "
flying k wrote on Mar 1, 2008 3:47 PM:
" here is something that happens in locally. There are alot of wholesalers out there that with the help of big oil just keep getting bigger and bigger. They supply multiple brands, and also their own brands, and also to unbranded sites. There is an unbranded market, and then there is a branded market. The unbranded market is almost always cheaper, which is usually reflected on the street, but what keeps prices higher is when unbranded costs are higher then branded, sometimes in excess of .25 cents per gallon, these wholesalers put branded product in their stations, this uses up the branded supplies, and therefore raises prices. How else would they be able to always be below branded gas? "
2 FOUR BANGER: wrote on Mar 1, 2008 4:31 PM:
" WELL I HAVE ONE OF THOSE JACKED UP 4X4 AND LAUGH WHEN I SEE.. YOUR LITTLE FOUR BANGERS CAUSE I HAVE A GOOD JOB THAT PAYS FOR MY GAS.. SO THE BIGGER THE BETTER. SO KEEP LAUGHING I WILL PASS YOU IN THE SLOW LANE LOOOOOOSER....... "
re - Warning wrote on Mar 1, 2008 6:19 PM:
" Oink! I'm a fat greasy American pig. Oink! Being an American pig means I have God given right to cheap gas. Oink oink. You must bow down to my American pigginess. Oinkety oink oink. "
WOW wrote on Mar 1, 2008 6:43 PM:
" Welcome to America where you will now be told what you have to drive and how far you are aloud to work from your home.You will then hear people tell you don't complain about gas prices after all how much do you pay for a cup of coffee or a gallon of milk I must add I have never gone through one hundred dollers a week of milk or coffee,at any rate we are starting to sound more like china just wait they will tell you how many kids you can have next! "
HELPER wrote on Mar 1, 2008 7:07 PM:
" I got a lamb last year and she will save me a lot on gas for the mower. Can't find any long, green, grass to mow. It is mowed to an inch, just where I like it. Free fertilizer too. Try it you might like it! "
TO: Californian wrote on Mar 2, 2008 8:53 AM:
" Thank you for asking about the basis of my statement. You can look up the Energy Act of 2005, commonly referred to as HR6, which ensured that there would be an increase in gasoline prices (according to the Department of Energy Reports), and did nothing to reduce our reliance on oil imports, did nothing to increase auto fuel efficiency, did nothing to transition our electricity sector towards clean renewable energy, authorized the inventory the U.S. coastlines for oil and gas to make way for future drilling in our coastal waters, trampled individual state's rights to protect their coasts from liquefied natural gas terminals, threw many billions of tax dollars into the industry, and quite a bit more. Included therein were tax breaks amounting to billions of dollars for the oil industry (currently undergoing acts to repeal it) and the only some of the subsidies to which I referred. Of course, if you would like to see what we are doing to change it currently, review the most recent Energy Act (signed in January 2007) which Bush only signed after eliminating the requirements it originally had for investment into renewable fuels, and leaving out the original language designed to repeal the subsidies. They aren’t a myth. We are paying them. Research it. Also, you can review all the way back to the previous passed energy legislation from 1990-1991 which is where it all began, by dropping the oil cos. tax liability. "
notagasbamboozler wrote on Mar 4, 2008 10:21 AM:
" Will our President do anything to help the American people with the outrageous price of gasoline?
I think not, for G.W. owns 50% stock in SHELL OIL and you can better bet that he makes more money in his stock than what the American people pay him to be our President.
Sucks to be an American sometimes ! Buck up all because it's going to be one hell of a ride! "
I think not, for G.W. owns 50% stock in SHELL OIL and you can better bet that he makes more money in his stock than what the American people pay him to be our President.
Sucks to be an American sometimes ! Buck up all because it's going to be one hell of a ride! "
Energy Regulation wrote on Mar 4, 2008 11:34 AM:
" There is no reason, other than greed, for the hike in price. I acknowledge that there are markets opening which do add to the competition in the marketplace, but there is not enough competition to have driven the price up to the level it is currently at. And it is not a partisan issue. It is an issue that SHOULD have been safe in the hands of either party, much like healthcare. These are issues of fundamental importance to the citizens. No, I don't accept the label of "whiner" because I exercise my ability to intelligently question those in power who DO have the ability to control and change the current situation. The fact is that when corporate interests are allowed and encouraged to influence political processes, the business of the American people is not best served. Corporations are not citizens and do not have the same rights, obligations or abilities and should not be treated equally at the table with people. Will the corporations serve their country and give their lives? No, because they do not have a life to give. They do not get a vote in our system because they are not equal to people. This idea that Americans would opt to ignore the injustice and imbalance in their government is indicative of the lowered education standards in our country more than just ill-formed opinions by individuals incapable of understanding or attempting to understand the process. "
econ major @WWU wrote on Mar 4, 2008 6:09 PM:
" Oh gosh. All you people who think drilling in ANWR is going to change things are WRONG! America uses 25% of the world's supply of oil, yet only has 2% of the supplies within the borders. AND the amount of time it would take to drill in ANWR and get the oil to market is around 10 YEARS! Honestly, by that time, do you think we'll still be using oil? Things should change by then! And if not...we are all screwed!
(Props to the moped idea.) "
(Props to the moped idea.) "
To econ wrote on Mar 5, 2008 10:55 AM:
" Sounds like you are one of those that is totally brainwashed by the lib's running our higher education now days. The talk about drilling in ANWAR has been going on for years, If we could have started years ago (instead of just talking about it and having to fight the libs and enviro wackkos about it) we could be doing so now which would help offset the current price. Same with the known reserves off the West coast and in the gulf.
Also if your are an econ-major you should know that if the world (business or capitalist's) know we don't have something, or won't use our supplies they can set the price at whatever the market will bear. I believe that if we even threatened to drill the vast reserves we know about the price would drop like a rock in roder to make it uneconomical to do so. "
Also if your are an econ-major you should know that if the world (business or capitalist's) know we don't have something, or won't use our supplies they can set the price at whatever the market will bear. I believe that if we even threatened to drill the vast reserves we know about the price would drop like a rock in roder to make it uneconomical to do so. "
Cheney119 wrote on Mar 5, 2008 3:08 PM:
" Hey republican bozo, doesn't the anwar oil have to come down the already full pipeline from the north slope. Seems like it would do NOTHING to help supply. The price is $104.50 a barrel now and it's all about speculators. "
RE: To econ wrote on Mar 5, 2008 3:18 PM:
" It is better to be silent and thought a fool, than to randomly mash buttons on the keypad and remove all doubt. Apparently you think that drilling oil is akin to placing a straw in a glass of soda pop. Econ is correct that locating, drilling, constructing necessary lines and building refineries will all take much time and effort, when the best efforts should be made to eliminate our dependence and transition to a greener method of fuel. "
Alt Energy wrote on Mar 6, 2008 2:23 PM:
" And how long are we going to have to listen to the talk and promises of alterative energy? We've only been fed the line since the 60's, and no one has come up with any real ones that work to replace fossil fuel for cars. (Ones that works anyhow) We did have an alt fuel for coal but the greenies don't like nuke energy, just like they are blocking thermal energy. "
R Hoffman wrote on Mar 8, 2008 1:36 AM:
" I am amazed at people. Complain, complain, complain. I'm sure half of the people complaining about gas prices, also buy themselves a $4 latte at least once a day. Boo Hoo. Seriously learn something about economics and live within your means. "
Repeat: Longview full of Crybabies!!! wrote on Mar 9, 2008 10:01 AM:
" I laugh uproariously at 99% of you. You are babies and you are whiners. You believe that as an American, you were born with a golden gas nozzle inserted into your hind end... and you cry louder each time it is withdrawn and quiet each time it is reinserted. Look at the world around you, you greedy little examples of Americanism. What makes you and your disgustingly expanding gut deserve that which you believe to be your born ENTITLEMENT? Go live in a mud shack and walk 5, 10 or 20 miles each way for your suppies. This is how the world lives. Your fat *ss would keel over dead at the thought of what many in this world go through on a daily basis. I drive a big gas guzzler too. I, however, realize my place in this world and do not complain over being asked to pay what others have paid for years before me. Stop and think for a second please, before you cram another bite of that gooey triple bacon cheese whatever down your throat. "
danahan01 wrote on Mar 9, 2008 1:19 PM:
" Again...until the value of the dollar stabilizes, the cost of energy on the world market, in dollars, goes up. If we would just build a half dozen refineries, drill for oil in our own country, things would get better quickly. And for all of you global warming worshippers, most of the man indused CO2 that is put into the planets atmosphere comes from the clearing and burning of land in South America and Africa. So start there if you really think that Global Warming is a problem. As for the price of gas, get over what Exxon and Shell profit, and get us into finding and using home grown oil. It is documented that North America has more oil reserves than all of the rest of the world. We just need to go after it....and soon, before we are completely owned by foreign countries. "
econ major @WWU wrote on Mar 9, 2008 5:19 PM:
" To: "To econ" At this point in the game, gas pretty much goes to the highest bidder. Anyway, you can buy as much or as little as you like and use it however you please. ADDITIONALLY, those who don't want to drill in ANWR are not "wackos," as you called them. Are you aware of how much oil could be there and how long it would last America? If 11.8 billion barrels were there (a very high estimate with only a 5% probability) and it was used to meet 100% of US demand, it would last...less than 1 1/2 years. For how much work would go into drilling and setting up pipelines and the damage it would do to the environment...it just isn't worth it. "
Huh wrote on Mar 11, 2008 5:08 AM:
" Pinch hell, how about a large hand grabbing you in the area you sit on, giddy up nellie. "
Peter Piper wrote on Mar 11, 2008 3:27 PM:
" Well when the Democrats have the White House in the fall and veto proof majorities in both the House and Senate, the free ride for big oil is going to be over.What we need is not a windfall profits tax but an obscene profits tax.Jack Kennedy used to rail against companies whose persuit of profit had overcome there sense of public responsibility.This is that time for Big Oil. "
to: Ritch get Ritcher and Pore get Steped on wrote on Mar 11, 2008 6:14 PM:
" Another thing you don't do; communicate correctly in the English language. Learn to write and spell properly or no one will take you seriously. "
think about it wrote on Mar 12, 2008 1:28 PM:
" There is nothing we can do about the price of oil products unless we, as a country, stop using the products- IMMEDIATELY. No matter what, do whatever you can to cut back. When the auto dealers call and want to sell or trade you a new gas guzzler at 0 interest rate, say NO. When you gas up, look around to get the best price. That does not mean drive all over, but watch the prices at local stations that are convenient to you and use the one that has the best price. When you are bored and want to 'go somewhere' DON'T. Coordinate your kids needs and share rides back and forth to sports and school events. Gas up in the morning, prices go up during the day. Some basic common sense and back bone can make a difference. I suggest a 'No driving on Saturday" rule for a while. Imagine the impact of no gas sales on a weekend for several weeks. "
Kalama Grandma wrote on Mar 14, 2008 7:40 AM:
" Gas is cheaper in Oregon even with having to pay someone to pump for you. Also, if everyone stopped buying gas for 2 weeks gas prices would drop as they have already said it would then stock up. OPEC has already said they will not drop the price of gas as the demand for it is there. "
It is time for a revolution wrote on Mar 14, 2008 6:36 PM:
" THIS IS ALL B.S. IT IS THE OIL AND GOVERNMENT'S WAY OF LEGALLY EXTORTING MONEY FROM E V E R Y O N E ! ! "
chopper wrote on Mar 14, 2008 10:03 PM:
" Props to energy regulation. We are now reaping the dumbing down of Amerika "
Used some common sense wrote on Mar 16, 2008 7:44 PM:
" I don't pretend to have any expertise on oil futures, but since the price of gas went up (even with my car that gets up to 50mpg) I decided to WALK to as many places as I possibly could. Longview is a small town, and I discovered that I could do a great deal of my business by ped-power. Imagine my delight when, after a couple months of walking, I was able to purchase a pair of jeans that was 2 sizes smaller than before! From what I can see, I'm not the only one who could really use a bit of exercise. "
hurts more then pocket book wrote on Mar 18, 2008 7:03 PM:
" As a grad student driving two hours two times a week, I am now having to cut costs for material needed in class in order to attend classes. Crazy as it sounds,my choices are effected by the high prices. Study group is out, because it would mean an extra trip to and from class... Student loans arn't enough to pay for the inflation of fuel, so high prices not only effect my pocket book, they are causing stress to an already stressful situation. What do I do, make better choices, spend the night out of town in order to save gas...I am weighing my options. It hurts! "
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