The Truth Surrounding High Gas Prices
Environmental concerns are just the latest in the line of excuses as to why gas prices are hitting new records each day. I’ve read articles that have stated everything from short supply to weather being the culprits. I’m sure I’m not the only one that is finding it hard to believe that we are suddenly running out of oil. Unless I am horribly wrong, cars that run on alternate fuels were being created years ago and from all reports worked just fine. The reason we are not using these cars now is due to oil companies buying these small, but environmentally safe companies out.
Apparently, there have been quite a large number of accidents in the oil refineries this year. This has decreased the production of gasoline by over half. Maybe I misheard when Hurricane Katrina hit that we had reserves. It has also been stated by our government that oil refineries produce more than is actually needed. If both of these are facts, then we should be fine until production is back up and running. Instead, gas prices are soaring. Since Hurricane Katrina hit, Americans have seen gas prices go up and down by dollars, not cents. I live in North Carolina, so I will use our prices as a comparison. During the hurricane, our prices spiked $3.26 for regular unleaded. During the course of the next two years, I have seen prices drop to $1.98 and average out around $2.30 per gallon. In the past month, prices have risen from $2.70 to $3.05 for regular unleaded. One man is even being sued by the state for selling gas too cheap. I also have the wonderful privilege of living in one of the highest gas tax states.
As I mentioned earlier, environmental concerns are one of the main reasons for the high prices so suddenly. Oil companies believe that by charging more for gas, Americans will drive less. However, thanks to the rising prices, we have no choice but to drive. How else can we afford the gas and the increased prices of basic necessities such as food? Cars and of course gasoline have allowed communities to become more spread out. It is difficult to find a job, let alone one nearby. Therefore, people must drive farther to support their families. With companies shutting down left and right, it is hard to expect people to stay within a few mile radius of their job and simply walk to work.
Neighbors no longer work in the same places, so car pooling usually isn’t an option. Unless you live in a large city, buses do not exist either. Hybrid cars are selling at a much higher value than your average car. Plus, electricity is created in nuclear power plants and costs a pretty penny as well. Pray tell, how is one supposed to afford the switch when they cannot even afford gas? I do not see how these hybrid cars are any better for our environment. From various posts I’ve read on discussion boards, neither does anyone else. Our government has allowed companies to move overseas and is now so desperate for replacements that they are providing large incentives to companies to start up. However, the draw back is that the tax payers are paying for their own jobs. In a few years, companies will move to another location to receive a new set of incentives once the ones from their current location are said and done. No jobs equal longer commutes to other jobs, which in turn equals more oil consumption.
I am sure any government or oil company officials will be glad to provide more excuses when Americans complain about gas prices. This is their job. As a free country, it is every working person’s responsibility to demand the truth and be treated fairly. Gas is rising simply to provide raises to those who did not need the money to start with. In the long run, higher gas prices will cause the economy to fall and if something does not change, another depression will soon begin. Someone needs to resist being bought out and start producing the alternative fuel cars, such as the corn meal and even garbage. Some hydrogen cars have been created as well. Either that, or the oil guys need to listen to the voice in the back of their minds and give up their raises so everyone else can prosper and have financial security.
