How much is Regular Unleaded Where You are?

[Tiramisu]

Right - no shortage of crude - just not enough US refineries.

[Marilyn]

Originally Posted by Tiramisu

Right - no shortage of crude - just not enough US refineries.

Well where did the refineries go???? I know the ones in my sales terrority are still there. Haven't heard about any exploding recently around the country. The ones that did a while back have had plenty of time to rebuild. I don't buy that excuse either.

There were several projects recently to increase production capacity and to clean up the diesel to reduce emmissions. These projects cost money, but not enought to cause the prices to increase anywhere near the levels they are now.

Maybe the oil tycoons are getting while the getting's good and are afraid of what changes may happen as a result of the Nov. election. I don't understand the economics of it all, but really do feel that we are being taken advantage of. And our government is still subsidizing the oil industry, go figure.

[Janet]

It makes me sad, angry and when I read about this type of thing, it's like I just want to through my hands in the air and say "what's the point?" Don't know why people even want to try anymore...it's just so frustrating.

[Tiramisu]

Marilyn - demand has increased dramatically and those refineries have not been expanded to process the supply to meet the demand. THIS IS NOT THE SINGLE PROBLEM, but it is one. A huge offshore drilling rig (BP's Thunder Horse) that I've been working on for the last five years just started up about an hour ago, almost 3 years behind schedule and MILLIONS over budget. It listed and was almost lost two years ago and there have been problems with some subsea equipment. Of course, I don't have the answer, but I often feel we're helping others when we should be helping ourselves more.

[Marilyn]

Originally Posted by Tiramisu

I often feel we're helping others when we should be helping ourselves more.

Amen!!!

Now they are saying that the flood in Iowa and Illinois will affect corn production which will raise the price of corn which will raise the price of ethanol. Our gasoline is mandated by the government to be 8 to 10% ethanol in most states. Sooo, the flood will raise the price of gasoline. It may be necessary to repeal the ethanol requirement to keep the price down.

[Janet]

Oh no!!! Here in Frankfort the gas is now up to $4.19. I honestly can not believe this is actually happening!! Guess I might go looking for a moped instead of cell phone internet service or a GPS. This is so ridiculous.

[Marilyn]

I just wonder what would happen if we all parked the old gas guzzlers and bought little tiny cars or scooters? With the reduced consumption would the price actually drop???