Why are gas prices so high and isn't the government suppose to do something about them?
354140
It is NOT because of the war. It is because the people that run the oil companies are good friends of the President\n\nThe supply of oil is at an 8 year high. That means that we have more gas available today than we have had in 8 years.\nin any normal business, that would drive the price DOWN but, not oil.\n\nThe CEO of EXXON_MOBILE just got a $400 MILLION dollar bonus. That is 400,000,000 dollars in one year. That is his PERSONAL income, that dosn't even count the BILLIONS of dollars the oil companies make in PROFITS every year.\nIn the past 12 years the CEO of EXXON-MOBILE has made over  a BILLION (yes, a billion $1,000,000,000 dollars of personal income. We all paid for that by buying gas.\n\nThe reason we are paying so much is because the oil companies are greedy bastards that are making $100,000,000,000 of dollars in profits a year and our President is letting them get away with it.That is Anti-American!!!\n\nSome may argue that this is America and business people can charge what they want but in many cases, this one included, that is not really a fact. The oil business is supposed to be regulated. Not anyone can just decide to get into it. The government regulates who can join and who can't.\n\nThe fact is, we are paying WAY too much for gas and Bush'e buddys are literally "laughing all the way to the bank"\n\nAlso, we do not get most of our gas from the Middle East, that's what they try to make us believe. We only get 12-15% of our oil from the Middle East.\n40% of our oil comes from the US itself.\nWe also get a huge percent of our oil from Canada, Mexico and Venezuela.
337489
We should riot against the oil companies. Their the most greedy people I've ever seen or heard of. \n\nThe oil companies need to go under strong investigation (not governmental investigation cause the government could care less about us) Whoever is found out (how ever many people that is) that have raised gas prices to where certain families struggle to get to school and work should be immediately forced to donate ALL their money and be thrown in prison awaiting the public's vote on what to do to them. -- that sounds a little extreme but the oil companies have ruined so many lives that they deserve it.
436434
Actually, gas prices in the US are artificially low.  We pay about 1/2 to 1/3 of Europe's prices.  Prices here fluctuate almost arbirarily, but also in accordance with supply and demand, and, of course, the price of oil.  It's precisely because we're in this war over oil that prices has gone up. War makes production and distribution a pain, to say the least.  Other oil producing nations, like Venzuela and Nigeria have also had political distruptions.
613084
◙ the only way to get gas prices to go down is for everyone to stop paying them. you can't blame them for their high prices. you can only blame yourself for paying them.\n\n◙ here in east moline illinois gas is $2.53 :)
407383
Economists believe motorists will alter the way they drive once the average gas price moves to between $3.50 and $4.00 per gallon.\n\nThere won't be a mass revolt.  But people will continue to get upset.  Our elected officials will call for investigations.  And our leaders will be forced to seriously look at alternative fuels.\n\nIf our elected officials tamper with the price of oil and, the move to alternative fuels will slowed.  \n\nIf we truly want to embrace alternative fuels, then the market must lead us there.
302739
Poltical instability in the middle East is a cause for higher gas prices. It's ironic that Iraq is one of the least expensive places to buy gas in the world. The oil companies can't just jack up prices whenever they want, regardless of what you may have heard.
164321
the government is so stuipid. it went to Iraq to rob oil, but each barrel of petrol cost 3 times its price just to steal it;)\nI wonder when will US stop wars. or at least to stop washing our brains that we have a great future. \ni think we get that amount when the currency falls .when  you can buy one coca cola for 1000$
122255
The gas companies practice what is known as zone pricing. They look at how much money people in a certain area make and then set the price from there. It allows them to charge people who will pay more a top dollar price while still selling to the poor at a price they can afford. That is why some independent gas stations will have prices that are much lower then the big corporations, they don't have zone pricing.
332085
I agree with you to a point.  This government isn't that weak to listen to some protesters.  But they are doing something about it.  Other people gripe...and do...NOTHING.  That will really get you nowhere.  What are you doing about gas prices?  I know you're griping, but they you are, filling your tank up once more.  Protesters do something.  They gripe to the right people.  The media love this stuff.  Either that or a rescue story of a stupid dog.  \n\nEven though protesting gets you nowhere, doing nothing gets you some place worse.
1019654
Because people don't want to walk or take a bike. Frankly I think we should invest more in hybrid cars and public transportation as it would at least help with the Gas "problem". \n\nBoycotting gas stations would probably not do anything except shut down the gas stations. Gas is used for other things like plastics, and paint, so the price of gas would still stay high.
471334
Gas prices are determined by supply and demand...\n\nAs gas prices rise......this causes consumers to drive less.....which stops consumers from using so much gas\nThe price will start to go back down....\n\nGasoline is very cheap......the same people who complain about the cost of gasoline....$3 a gallon....are the same people who spend $1.99 for a bottle of water, $4 for a pack of cigs, and $5 for lottery tickets.
56310
No, you are not the only one.  I thought that it was horrible that our government would allow that to happen. Perhaps because of the stake Bush has in oil...?\nTaking advantage of a national crisis like that is disgusting to me, and completely morally wrong.  But who is to blame? I say the government- they need to monitor and control gas prices better.\n\nIn response to the other answer, bottled water is an option for people.  People do not need bottled water to get to and from their jobs so that they can make money to feed their families.
461013
the gas companies have greedy businessmen behind them milking this for all it's worth.  they are lying to the public, and making record profits!!!  its disgusting.  no one in this government will take a stand on this.  i think that they don't want to bite the hand that feeds them(money)!!!
202996
I have! Oil prices go down and gas goes up. Supplies increase the price at the pump goes up. The 2nd biggest oil deposit in the world comes under U.S. control.... You get the idea. Enough is enough. His friends have all made a buck on this insanity, let's go back to $1.00 a gallon.
820638
I say bring it on. And, after the investigations have concluded you will hear that they find no wrongdoing. I know you libs and your conspiracies have it all figured out, but oil companies do not make but 8 or 9% profit on gasoline. Your answer for everything is more government control. It's supply and demand, THAT is what drives prices and we are in competition with China since we are the two countries who consume most of the oil in the world. Oh, one more thing, It's not George W. Bush's fault either!\n\nExcellent post! It's nice to know there are like minded people out there.
183877
What makes you so sure there is price gouging going on? You pay less for gas than almost every major industrialized nation in the world, but you complain about the price as you pump gas into your guzzling SUV. Sit back and realize how good you have it, because just about every European out there would love the opportunity to buy gas at 2.50 or even 3.00 a gallon ... they would consider it a bargin, not a price gouge.
638765
High prices!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  People trying to raise a family can not afford the high price.  The worst of it is with gas prices rising,  everything (housing, food, clothing, toys etc.) will increase.  This is probably going to put us in a depression.  People will not be able to afford things they need to live.  They surely will not be able to enjoy any entrainment