Internet ScamBusters subscriber comments on gasoline prices and the gas boycott.
Here are six interesting comments and suggestions regarding our article on
gasoline prices and the gas
prices boycott.
Gasoline Prices Email #1: The biggest question on gasoline prices and oil
Where do the oil companies get their
oil if not from the Middle East? - Mary
Editors Answer: You can get the answer -- exactly -- from this
chart from the Department
of Energy.
Gasoline Prices Email #2: The real reason for high gasoline prices are not mentioned in your article
This is a total misconception. The reason for high gas prices is simply supply
and demand in this country, not the cost of barrel of crude oil, be it purchased
from Saudi Arabia or elsewhere.
This country has not built any new plants (at least any that provided a significant
increase to our ability to increase production of refined oil products) since
the mid to late 1990s.
It doesn't take a lot to realize that if we have to divert millions of barrels
of our refined oil products, such as gasoline and diesel fuel, to fight a war,
less of the product will find its way to the American consumer.
So in the land which has proven that capitalism and open markets are much better
at regulating than any government, it should come as no surprise that we will
have to pay more per gallon of fuel until such time as the plants that refine
the crude oil in the United States catch up with the deficit.
Too many US citizens have the idea that they are entitled to a free lunch. Whenever
a resource is used for one thing, it means there will be less available for
whoever else might want to use this resource. Hey, it's the American way, and
it works. Let's quit grumbling. Robert
Gasoline Prices Email #3: Are gasoline prices really high?
what people don't realize is how
cheap gas really is. when i was a teenager, gas cost about 30 cents a gallon
and my mother made $1 an hour and my dad $2.50. I made 25 cents an hour babysitting.
when gas costs 50 cents a gallon i had a job making about $50 a week before
taxes.
people do the math and compare it to $2.00 a gallon and the $20,000, $30, 000,
etc that a person makes today. a person can spend 2 bucks for a burger at a
fast food restaurant, 8 bucks for popcorn and coke at a movie and not blink
an eye and those things don't even get you from point 'a' to point 'b'.
Judy
Gasoline Prices Email #4:
Regarding the fuel oil scam. There
are motor fuel pipeline terminals throughout the USA. The majority of motor
fuel travels through these pipelines to terminals... therefore gas is gas and
diesel is diesel. At the terminal rack (where fuel is loaded into tanker trucks)
branded companies may put a small amount of additives in the fuel so they can
call it Texaco or EXXON/Mobile, BP/AMOCO, etc.
Gerry
Gasoline Prices Email #5:
Hi Guys,
Just to say I really appreciate all your efforts with the newsletter -
thanks :)
My comment is on the oil item - yes, you import oil from regimes you
(speaking to the USA in general, here, not individuals) see as corrupt.
Remember you also trade heavily with corrupt regimes *not related to oil*
the world over, and indeed one of Americas biggest markets - 'defense' -
could even be said to go so far as to help with the corruption of others.
What's my point? My point is just that the 'get your fuel from...' scam
you highlighted really goes for the patriotic flag waving xenophobic
jugular, and that is surely another sign of it not being a sane, well
balanced strategy - the world is not black and white!
Again, many thanks for all your efforts and a sterling service, I really
appreciate it :)
Paddy :)
Gasoline Prices Email #6: Another approach...
I really enjoy your newsletter and
the info it contains. Thanks especially for the tip about signing credit cards.
I always do, but wondered about advice not to sign.
Anyway, regarding the "Gasoline Solution" e-mail, I have found an
extremely easy, no-fail way to use less gas. My advice is pretty simple -- SLOW
DOWN.
Instead of driving 80mph on the freeway (which I'd let myself get into the habit
of doing), I've been keeping my top speed at 65mph (the speed limit, LOL). By
doing that alone, my mileage has gone from 24mpg to 28mpg. We figured out I'm
getting 56 more miles per fill-up, which is at least one day more before I need
gas. I still drive everywhere I used to, but slower. And I don't do a ton of
freeway driving (I live in the country). Commuters could really save a bundle
this way.
Just thought I'd mention it.
Karen
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