Gas prices: a case for altruism

Perversely, one of the reasons that gas prices are going up--any questions of profiteering put aside--is that consumers are pushing up demand. An article from my hometown paper noted:

"We sold a record high 35,000 gallons in one day" on Wednesday, Vigo said. "A lot of people are topping off. We might run out of gas and others are going to start running out."

It's a self-fulfilling prophecy: people are afraid gas will soon hit $4, so they're engaging in behaviors that will help make prices hit $4.

So, in other words, if we all work together, it benefits all of us, through lower gas prices (and, from a Blue State stand point, by taking profits away from staunchly Republican oil companies).

What can you do?

• If you have a choice between a gas guzzler and a more fuel-efficient car, choose the fuel-efficient one.

• Plan trips in advance, double up if you can. And shop locally where it makes sense to do so (driving an extra 50 miles to save $5 is probably self-defeating).

• If you don't need your bike/canoe/whatever racks, remove them. They increase wind resistance, which decreases fuel efficiency.

• On the highway, close your windows, for the same reason. Conversely, in urban traffic, use your windows instead of your AC.

• Remove excess junk from your car. Removing 100 lbs will get you about an extra 10 miles per tank.

• Use car pools or public transportation if you can.

I'm sure you can think of other things. Remember: the less gas we all consume, the better off we'll all be in the long run.

•  Tip jar

  If you think this post is worthy. :)

  by Samer on Fri Sep 02, 2005 at 07:42:33 AM PDT

•  You can talk about consumer demand but...

  ...why have oil refineries been shutting down production capacity for the last few years? How is it that the big oil companies are reporting record profits???

  Shouldn't the Preznit be asking his Houston oil buddies to temporarily suspend the major windfall.

  The American people's pain is the oil exec's gain. Earlier this year, during the first quarter, oil profits soared by 40%. We're talking about billions of dollars that are going right into the pockets of these opportunistic bandits.

  Still, Chevron said that they will donate $5 million to the relief effort. How much money do you think that the greedy bastards have made since Monday?

  The President makes calls for sacrifice, but will he lean on his goddamned friends?

  Delta Airlines, which has been struggling, has donated free airlift flights. Delta Airlines is paying for thier own fuel. Volunteers with airboats are arriving to help in the rescue effort. They are paying for their own fuel.

  When are the Enronic players gonna pony up?!?!

  by anonymousredvest18 on Fri Sep 02, 2005 at 08:07:20 AM PDT