>Many of us like to think that there is reason for an event. In the case of gasoline prices a number of factors come to mind. It could be:
>
>1. Greed.
>2. Market prices
>3. Greed
>4. God only knows
>
>Some people thought that gasoline prices would rise after the November 7th election, regardless of who won. This was the doing of the Republican Party in collusion with the oil corporations to show what a great economy we had thanks to the republicans. The prices after the election were to rise and it would be business as usual for the oil corporations. Charge more, experience the highest profits in history and want more!
>
>Why is it that with the dramatic increase in gasoline experienced earlier this year, it did not cause an increase in inflation? I do recall that energy increases were not factored in to calculate the rate of inflation. If you want statistics to look good and appease the masses you juggle the numbers.
>
>In California, we had proposition 87 to tax California oil companies, as other states tax oil companies within their own states. The voters turned down the proposition.
>
>Just before the November 7th election, gasoline prices at the pump dropped significantly. About three months ago we paid $3.39 a gallon locally. In Fort Bragg, California we paid $3.99 in August. On November 7th the price was $2.21 a gallon down the street from our house. I noticed that Friday it had risen to $2.29 a gallon. This morning it is $2.33.
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>Well, we just pay what they demand and that is it. I do hope that we are able to find alternative fuel sources that will allow us to be independent of oil companies around the world. Personally, I am tired of paying for gasoline that gives profits to terrorists. I know that a “real (Bush) American” would never question anything that happens in our country. You just accept it and enjoy the consequences.

Just for comparison, here we pay about Bs. 3.50 a liter, that would be a little over US$ 0.40 a liter, or around 1.65 dollars a gallon. The price has been quite stable for a long time. Most governments are afraid to raise prices excessively, since even a small rise usually sparks major protests.

On the other hand, I haven't bought much gasoline lately - my car uses gas (the gaseous stuff!) instead of gasoline. My cost for fuel is around 1/3 of what I would pay for gasoline.

Trucks, which often use diesel, are in trouble - there are often shortages.