[sammyg2]

For the record, I believe the wholesale price has peaked and will not go much higher unless the speculators can drive it higher on sheer optomism or unless something happens in the world to affect the market. I have a hunch that the media is hyping this out of proportion on purpose and are about three weeks behind reality.
But... We (the US) are using about 2.5% more gas than we were last year at this time so the price has not affected demand. We are still burning it even though it it is more expensive.
The imported fuel that normally makes up the gap has not been as redily available because of higher demand overseas. There have been several significant refinery problems that have hurt supply. The US givernment has investigated every one, they are real, they are unfortunate and undesired, and they are hurting the refineries that are down big time while the competitors are benefitting. No sandbaggging, the refineries that are down on production are missing the boat. I nkow of two vice-presidents who have lost their jobs because the refineries they were responsible for are not producing. Pretty soon they will be back up and I "think" the market will catch up and by the end of June there will be a glut and the price will come down.

BTW I sold off all my TSO stock a few weeks ago at $104 (and left some money on the table) and sold my VLO stock last wednesday for $72.80
only time will tell if I timed it right. If someone wanted to gamble they might want to short TSO or VLO in the next few weeks. I'm not in the mood to gamble right now, the refining sector has already outperformed my expectations so I'm not real confident.
I have no real vested interest in the refining market right now except for curiosity.
I'll get back into the market in November or December, until then my money is in safe haven.

In the next year or so the governments (state first, then federal) will start a campain to brainwash consumers to slow down consumption. They did it with cigarettes, they are trying to do it with fat and soda, it's just a matter of time. California will probably lead the campain, with Al Gore and Rob Reiner. they are convinced we are not smart enough to make our own decisions and will play god and make them for us.
The campain will include negative cost incentives (taxes, fines, fees etc) and also mis-information and lies. They will take the extra taxes and use them against all of us. It worked with cigarettes, it'll work on the weak minded again. The cost of a gallon will hit $6 a gallon because of all the special fees and taxes, but the extra cost will be used to punish us. Do you really think a new SUV will be targetted first? No, old, innefficent, dirty vehicles (like older Porshes) will be the first to fall. They won't really outlaw them at first, they will make them so expensive to own and make the owners look like satan so the general public will rise up against the owners. The cars won't be worth scrap. After the older cars, they will go after the bigger cars. It doesn't matter if you have a need, it will still cost you big time.
Don't believe me? Hide and watch. The next time you drive by a group of smokers who have been herded into a little pen, just remember you are next.
After all, you are not smart enough to decide on your own. They know what's best for us. We don't. The global warming scam was the first step, the higher cost is the next in the progression, they have the perfect opportunity all set up for them.
You heard it here first.
I can't wait to bump this thread after it all comes true, I love to say I told you so but I hope I'm wrong in this case. They've tried before unsuccessfully but now they have the general population beleiving their crap and all primed for programming.