Friday, May 22, 2009
Now that school is out, many people are planning their summer vacation, and so of course... gas prices are going up again! It seems like almost every time I drive past the gas station, they've raised the price since the last time I drove by.
Of course, they always offer a convenient explanation on the news. According to the Energy Information Administration of the U.S. Department of Energy, the cost of crude oil accounts for 73 percent of the per-gallon price of gasoline. But since the cost of oil isn't rising at the rate that our cost is being raised, what other excuses do they give? Some of the other reasons are; supply versus demand, no new refineries, the decline of the dollar, and environmental groups.
So, what are my options? I can't afford to buy a hybrid or electric car. I live in the country where public transportation is not an option, and it's way too far to ride a bike into town. I am dependant on my car, and I have to buy gas. I try to consolidate my trips into town, but that's not always possible with children.
My theory on the rising cost of fuel is that this is just another way that the rich get richer (In 2007, the top five oil companies combined reported $123 billion in profits), and the poor stay poor.
I do realize though, that it's not the fault of the person who happens to be working at the gas station. They're just trying to make a living like the rest of us, so I try not to take my frustrations out on them!
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