I see that gas is now more than diesel again.
Why would gas be the same price in different countries anyway? That is implying that all commodities should be the same price worldwide.
Regarding net profits, etc. it's an interesting number, but can be very misleading. You need to look at the companies financial statements as a whole: Balance Sheet, Income Statement, Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity, Statement of Cash Flows, and the notes to determine what is really happening...
My current company sells copper. We have 80% - 85% fixed costs in the operation, sulfuric acid, diesel, and employee costs. Copper prices have ranged from $2.50 / lb to over $4.00 / lb in the last year. We have no control over our income therefore must plan accordingly when times are good. We can't have layoffs to control cash as the workforce will simply go away.
Anyway, having said that I too think the oil companies, the cartels, the brokers, the various governments all have a hand in it. We, the common people have no control.
You should watch the movie Syriana if you have never seen it. A lot of fact, a lot of fantasy but a good watch nonetheless. Here is a review:
Syriana