Quote:
Originally Posted by berettafan
oil is NOT a free market. we have zero control over prices. we are TOLD what we will pay.
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While it is not a free market on crude, as consumers we still have control over the
demand side of the equation.
Should Americans ever decide to cut the amount of miles driven in their huge cars, trucks, and SUVs, then the oil producers will cut their prices to try and entice us back to our old ways.
Consumers hold the power, but do not use it. Simply having a product to sell does not mean that a consumer will purchase it. The consumer must be enticed; either convinced by marketing, or by perceived necessity. It's not too difficult to do, since many consumers lack the willpower to make the difficult choices in life. We are spoiled and lazy, and it will be our ruin.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tobra
Price is going up because it is 85% petroleum based, 15% ethanol(using petroleum to produce and transport)
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Your percentages are backward. E-85 designates 85% Ethanol.
The prices are going up because they can. Store owners like profit. Plus, they assume that most consumers believe "gas is gas" and when one goes up, they all go up. And most do.