do you believe that government officials have something to do with the price of gas?
401639
Don't say anything about the government, it's better for you. The feds get really paranoid, so watch your mouth and save yourself the trouble. You might say something stupid one day, not be serious and get in a whole lot of trouble.\n\nDon't get political...
652235
Gas prices have nothing to do with a president.  Check the prices in the rest of the world.  You would blame who ever is in office.
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.
49780
It's all about money. They don't care how much they charge because they know that people will continue to pay for it. I thought Congress was discussing the gas situation. What happened to that?
576765
The gas prices can be helped if the pricks at exxon and all the other fuel manufacture's would lower the price.  They only reported a 50% increase in profit last year.  Yea I say they could do something about it!!!1
1134938
Yes, though the definition of "we" is important here.  Oil, like any other resource, does not rightfully belong to a government.  Seeing how horrifically government wastes everything else, it's obvious that bureaucrats are the last people who ought to be in charge of a precious commodity.\nThe hysteria over "Big Oil" is a joke, albeit a dangerous one.  Get the government the feck out of businesses' business, and then we can talk realistically about energy options.\nhttp://www.perc.org/publications/articles/Crichtonspeech.php
671618
George Bush has nothing to do with the gas prices. OPEC does. He's the US President, not God and ruler of all the world.
953352
The government of the United States was not established to act as a purchasing agent.  What do Americans expect, free fuel?\n\nA large part of the cost of automotive fuels is the high cost of refinng, with the legislated requirement of reduced pollution, both on the road and at the refinery.  Recent legislation requires new low levels of sulfur in diesel fuel, which is great, although it will raise the cost of transportation and the cost of goods at every store, and reduced profit at the refineries.\n\nSince the Democrats have gained more seats in Congress, and have promised to "investigate" Big Oil, they are simply driving my retirement nest-egg into overseas investments, because I can't afford to invest in American companies whose profits are being depleted by their own government.  Goodbye Exxon Mobil.  Hello Petroleos Brasilieros.
553008
No, it would still be the same. Gas has nothing to do with whos the President. I dislike Bush, but I do not think he is in charge of the gas prices.\n\n"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. \n\nThis 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. \n\nIt 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. \n\nSo 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. \n\nToo 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."
386567
Let's take a look at a few facts.  First, the cost of crude oil for each gallon of gas sold in this country has gone up from about 35 cents per gallon in 1999 to $1.59 per gallon in 2006.   So ... crude oil prices go up by 454% over a period of seven years.  How much did gas prices go up during the same period?  Try 162%.  Looks to me like things could be worse.\n\nSo ... did George Bush set those crude oil prices?  Did the oil companies go out there and set the prices that high?  Helllloooo!  Do you think the oil producing countries like Saudi Arabia might have had anything to do with it?  Is it possible that the ever-increasing worldwide demand for crude oil was a factor?  How about the fact that oil exploration slowed several years ago when crude was selling for under $20 a barrel?  Now that the price is so much higher many more companies are getting into the exploration business ... but it takes somewhere around 5 years from discovery of an oil deposit to actual production.  The price of oil didn't start its uphill swing until about 2004.  Do the math.  You also have the fact that oil is a commodity that is traded on the New York Mercantile Exchange.  Traders have much to do about setting prices.  Do you suppose that George Bush is calling these traders in to coach them on just what those prices should be?  That's what the Democrats want you to believe.\n\nIn short, when supplies increase and demand decreases.
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.
149729
You could take them to court - but in most states, natural gas prices are regulated by the government.  There was a significant increase in the price of natural gas this winter - you're probably SOL.
474903
Is it really that cheap in America.  I find it very difficult to convert a foreign gas cost due to the difference in monetary value & measurement (gallon vs litre).\n\nIf it is truly cheaper it probably has to do with the fact that we have a lot of powerhouses in the oil industry in our back pockets.  And those that we don't we intend to change by overthrowing their gov'ts.  Truthfully though, in reading up further on it its about the way a gov't is set up:\n\nThe main factor in price disparities between countries is government policy, according to AirInc, a company that tracks the cost of living in various places around the world. Many European nations tax gasoline heavily, with taxes making up as much as 75 percent of the cost of a gallon of gasoline, said a spokesperson for AirInc.
1038491
Define bogus.  Is it really the government's job to find energy of any kind?\n\nI don't think so.  That is a private sector issue.  Go look up Economics and our Constitution.  We have no right to any fuel of any sort.
790990
http://www.howstuffworks.com/gas-price.htm
362701
oo  i could see that, but i also would think that the government would be involved. \n\n maybe it is some sick experiment.. eack!!
558105
Price to ship is maybe? (Gas prices)