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Because we were use to cheap gasoline at one time. Compared to the world we still do. Democrats push it also. But remember the oil and gas drillers have given us more crude to now importing less than half without any government energy policy. It was also a oil man Boone Pickens who long ago said we needed to shift to natural gas for transport and make it a policy. If we had done that we would be much better off now economic wise;like sending it to dangerous region of the world. we likely be energy independent. Besides which the influence it has had on global politics. We likely have spent more than the deficit. The only way to describe it is STUPID decisions by same leadership in both parties leading who encouraged the stupid polices leading to this recession.
I am concerned because gasoline costs more per unit of energy (BTU, kWH, Therms) than any other major source. Why? Because petroleum holds a near-monopoly on the market for transportation fuel. People are longing for a cheaper alternative. If a suitable electric battery came along electric cars would take off. Natural gas might be a reasonable substitute if filling stations were widely available.
Probably because most people have very little money left over after they pay their bills. Therefore an extra $50/month for gasoline has a big affect on their budget.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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Despite gas being 25-30 cents a gallon when I started driving, I think the current $3.25 I pay now is not that bad, especially considering that in our state 55.9 cents of that is tax. I think what really irks people is how it can go up so quickly every day for weeks, but then takes months or a year to drop back down. Most other commodities are not that volatile.
Given inflation, taxes, regulation of exploration, refining, and distribution it seems to me that gasoline has generally been a stable supply and cost. People are sensitive to the price because they see it where many other costs in society are hidden.
And you can't really compare it to Cable TV or a Cellphone bill. Those bills are the same every month.
Now imagine if your cable bill was $70 one month and then $120 then next and then $90 the next. Folks would be absorbed in that, too.
I wonder why people are so absorbed with gasoline prices?
It seems to me that they are willing to pay infinite money for trivial things like telephones, cable TV, and ephemeral college degrees...
IMO, people want to consume without consequence and equate driving to a constitutional freedom.
I have two cars that require premium and I couldn't car(e) less.
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