why are we accepting these high gas prices?
398941
We're not, the rest of the country is.
223519
Have you checked the fuel prices lately?  I think people are looking for an alternative fuel source because of the rising prices of gas.  Not only that, this whole gas exploration thing creates such a power play in the world and even causes wars and embargoes.
84095
We'll spend $6 or $7 a gallon for gas because:\n\n- We're willing to.\n- Supply and Demand will dictate that price or higher.\n\nI saw a segment on 60 Minutes a couple weeks ago about huge reserves of oil in Canada. The reserves reside within soil.
337915
First of all, we don't "have control" over Iraq's oil production.  We have a decent relationship with Iraq, but we do not control their natural resources.\n\nAlso, one of the main oil producing nation is IRAN, not Iraq.  And right now Bush is "evaluating" possible threats from Iran.  They are not our allies.  So everyone is scared of what might happen, so they jack up the prices just in case.\n\nThere is a supply and demand issue, which is why gas prices tend to go up on the weekends and over holidays, during the summer, etc.  Another problem is that the oil companies have learned that the market will support the high prices, so there is nothing to stop them.  I mean, how can they blame the increase on their costs rising when they made record profits last quarter??  Its not all a rise in cost, the oil companies are making KILLER profits.\n\nWhat can we do?  Short if walking, I don't know...
47404
we do, when we pay the ridiculous gas prices!
1119538
The government doesn't have to validate gas prices.\n\nThe american people (i'm one!) just accept what those in power do to them while watching American Idol and Survivor.\n\nSuch is the circus...
640735
Oil prices are high because the demand is high.  \n\nImagine you had a pill that cured every health problem--obsesity, AIDS, cancer, and everything in between.  What would you sell it for?  You could sell it for $1 a pill--because everyone would want one.  Or, you could sell it for $1 million a pill--because everyone would want one.  Some people would sell it for $1.  Some people would sell it for $1 million.  People would fall everywhere in between.  \n\nWell, the oil companies don't have a magic pill, but they do have something that most of their customers cannot imagine living without.  They've realized that they can make a profit at $1.50 a gallon, but they can make a much better profit at $3.50 a gallon.  Why wouldn't they raise their price?\n\nAlthough I think the high prices suck, in the long term it is a good thing, because it will increase efforts to develop new kinds of energy and cars that are more efficient.\n\nBrazil has a fuel that is similar to ethanol that is made out of sugar instead of corn.  (Sugar is their main export.)  Since they developed this fuel, Brazil required cars to run on the stuff, and they are completely independent of foreign oil.  The U.S. should do the same thing with ethanol.  We could be done with foreign oil in ten years.
1019271
Because as fiddlesticks9 said its a way to attract the consumer.  But what he forgot to mention is that in order to actually work you need the mindless consumers, who will see 1.99 as less then 2 and will always go to buy it from the one that has 1.99 price.\n\nPlus the true reason behind it is that when they buy the gas from the supplier, they are charges in the same manner.
446687
It is already here.  But we don't want to change and continue to use gasoline like when it was cheaper.  It will start affecting how we travel and live when the price continue to increase.  We continue to buy these oil from Iran (not our friend) and support their government through our need for oil.
390170
They raise prices by restricting supply. They try to maximize their income without driving their customers to alternate fuels or into a depression. Either would reduce their income.
507433
Oil prices are set by the market.  In other words, if people are willing to spend $72.00 a barrel, then why would oil companies charge less.  The market corrects itself.  If the prices are too high, people will purchase less oil.  If the prices are too low, the miniscule profit margin that the oil companies already face will diminish.  That is why we pay what we pay.  It is what it is WORTH to buyers.  Simple as that.  If you want lower gas prices, take the bus for a while and wait until the market decides that oil is not worth as much anymore.
635751
We have altered our grocery shopping habits.  The rising cost of fuel has caused the price of groceries to go through the roof.  We don't buy as much meat or fresh fruit & veggies, and we are buying a lot of pre-packaged.  Not as healthy, but more affordable.\n\nWe are not the kind of people who eat out, buy new stuff, party, or really have any excess fat in our budget that can be trimmed.\n\nMy business requires me to drive to my customers, as does my husband's.  We are fortunate to live in a part of the country where gas prices have remained below the national average.
645979
I believe that the oil companies are taking advantage of the situation.  It seems the prices are always higher during the summer when people are using their cars, or R.V's to go on vacation.\n\nThe president is walking on thin ice...Republicans are going to feel the wrath of voters because they will be losing their races and the democrats will take their place.\n\nThe president wants us to open up Alaska to drilling, so when we have higher prices...he can say they would be lower if we were able to drill in Alaska.
183542
He is absoulutly right, gasoline in Mexico City right now is $.78. I looked it up on the net. You people that can't do metric conversions and monetary conversions, are the stupid people. Of course America is getting screwed for the cost of fuel. America pays the most to offset the rest of the World economics. The burden is on us, and always has been.
1173170
Why do you think the gas prices suddenly went sky high?  There is NO shortage....no lines, plenty  of gas....but they get MORE TAXES with higher gas prices.   Government's answer to paying for war.
8558
Because of net profit. E.g., we make more than we spend on gas. Also, people need purpose - like work, hoever futile.
68168
Gas prices are set based on supply and demand. If more people are using gas or there is a lower amount of gas being produced then the prices will go up.\n\nThe recent increase in prices is probably due to the growing tension with Iran. If for some reason the oil from Iran is cut off, there will be less production.