I would love to bike to work....too bad it's 30 miles away. I'm trying to organize some sort of carpooling now. Isn't it true that only 40% of the vehicles on the roads in U.S. are actually cars. That's pretty prepostorous, you can't convince me that 60% of Americans actually need trucks and SUVs. As much as the high gas prices are kicking my ass right now, I hope they serve as a wake up call to the public and the big 3. To make the same mistake twice within the span of 30 years is just unforgivable.
Why gas prices are so high
- Thread starter msubullyfan
- Start date
- :
- 2001 Mazda MP3
Quote:
Now is this making them OPEC countries richer?
No, I don't think so; companies that buy oil get it by the barrel they can get it for really cheap
i'm gonna throw a figure out around $10 or more, a little crazy but i think its somewere around there (then again i could be wrong)
ROFL. funniest thing EVAR!
Of COURSE OPEC is benefitting from high prices. A barrell of crude is currently at around $37/barrell (weighted average). this price to DIRECTLY to the country for a barrell of crude.
$10?!?!? The last time crude was near $10 was 1998, when it was $10.87 a barrell and gas prices were under $1.
the WHOLESALE cost of gasoline is currently near 140 cents. ($1.40)
Now is this making them OPEC countries richer?
No, I don't think so; companies that buy oil get it by the barrel they can get it for really cheap
i'm gonna throw a figure out around $10 or more, a little crazy but i think its somewere around there (then again i could be wrong)
ROFL. funniest thing EVAR!
Of COURSE OPEC is benefitting from high prices. A barrell of crude is currently at around $37/barrell (weighted average). this price to DIRECTLY to the country for a barrell of crude.
$10?!?!? The last time crude was near $10 was 1998, when it was $10.87 a barrell and gas prices were under $1.
the WHOLESALE cost of gasoline is currently near 140 cents. ($1.40)
DooMer_MP3
Member
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/custom/redeye/chi-040524suvs-story,1,7939439,print.story?coll=chi-news-hed
Fueling debate
Whats to blame for high gas prices? Look in your driveway
May 24, 2004
DETROIT -- Sorry folks: We're at least partly to blame for the ongoing pain at the gas pump.
Like it or not, we're burning more gas than ever before. Consumption has jumped nearly 24 percent since 1990. And the government says we're on track to burn another 48 percent by 2025.
Sure, there are more vehicles on the road. Between 1990 and 2001, the number of registered vehicles grew about 22 percent, according to the federal government. And the miles those vehicles traveled jumped 29 percent.
But the biggest reason consumption has risen so sharply is parked in many of our driveways: The number of light trucks, especially SUVs, has spiked in the past several years, growing about 74 percent between 1990 and 2001.
And since these vehicles consume more gas than passenger cars, they're likely responsible for the record level of fuel use, experts say.
The period between 1980 and 1990 showed only a 5 percent increase in fuel consumption compared with a 23.5 percent increase between 1990 and 2003.
In 1990, light trucks made up about a quarter of the nation's fleet, compared with 37 percent in 2001, the last year for which government figures are available.
Since these vehicles get fewer miles to the gallon than cars, they're driving up the amount of fuel we use. That use is straining already tight gas supplies. Experts say prices ultimately will move higher if things don't change.
"People enjoy bigger cars and SUVs and then scream bloody murder when there are higher gas prices,'' said Fadel Gheit, an oil analyst with Oppenheimer & Co. "Ultimately we will pay the price.''
Gas inventories are about 6 percent below what they were a year ago.
Fuel consumption is so high that the oil refineries are barely keeping up with demand, experts say.
On a more positive note Sunday, cnn.com reported that Saudi Arabia has agreed to increase its oil output starting next month by 28 percent and is "prepared" to increase output to its capacity of 10.5 million barrels per day, U.S. Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham said Sunday after meeting with the Saudi oil minister.
That likely won't cut the price of gas by more than a dime a gallon, some experts say, and we're burning gas at a record pace largely because we're dumping cars for trucks. More consumers have opted for SUVs and light trucks because they're big, they hold a lot of stuff and they can carry more people.
The rub is that many of them don't go far on a gallon of gasoline. The Ford Explorer, the nation's most popular SUV, barely gets 20 miles per gallon on the highway, compared with 30 m.p.g. for a Ford Focus, a small passenger car.
Some experts aren't convinced that light trucks are moving prices higher.
Ron Planting, an economist with the American Petroleum Institute, said worldwide demand for crude oil, especially in Asia, is influencing prices a lot more than SUVs.
Experts predict gas prices will continue to be high.
"People are going to want more oil, and inventories are going to be stressed to the limits," AAA Michigan spokesman Jim Rink said. "This isn't going to go away any time soon."
Copyright 2004, Chicago Tribune
Fueling debate
Whats to blame for high gas prices? Look in your driveway
May 24, 2004
DETROIT -- Sorry folks: We're at least partly to blame for the ongoing pain at the gas pump.
Like it or not, we're burning more gas than ever before. Consumption has jumped nearly 24 percent since 1990. And the government says we're on track to burn another 48 percent by 2025.
Sure, there are more vehicles on the road. Between 1990 and 2001, the number of registered vehicles grew about 22 percent, according to the federal government. And the miles those vehicles traveled jumped 29 percent.
But the biggest reason consumption has risen so sharply is parked in many of our driveways: The number of light trucks, especially SUVs, has spiked in the past several years, growing about 74 percent between 1990 and 2001.
And since these vehicles consume more gas than passenger cars, they're likely responsible for the record level of fuel use, experts say.
The period between 1980 and 1990 showed only a 5 percent increase in fuel consumption compared with a 23.5 percent increase between 1990 and 2003.
In 1990, light trucks made up about a quarter of the nation's fleet, compared with 37 percent in 2001, the last year for which government figures are available.
Since these vehicles get fewer miles to the gallon than cars, they're driving up the amount of fuel we use. That use is straining already tight gas supplies. Experts say prices ultimately will move higher if things don't change.
"People enjoy bigger cars and SUVs and then scream bloody murder when there are higher gas prices,'' said Fadel Gheit, an oil analyst with Oppenheimer & Co. "Ultimately we will pay the price.''
Gas inventories are about 6 percent below what they were a year ago.
Fuel consumption is so high that the oil refineries are barely keeping up with demand, experts say.
On a more positive note Sunday, cnn.com reported that Saudi Arabia has agreed to increase its oil output starting next month by 28 percent and is "prepared" to increase output to its capacity of 10.5 million barrels per day, U.S. Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham said Sunday after meeting with the Saudi oil minister.
That likely won't cut the price of gas by more than a dime a gallon, some experts say, and we're burning gas at a record pace largely because we're dumping cars for trucks. More consumers have opted for SUVs and light trucks because they're big, they hold a lot of stuff and they can carry more people.
The rub is that many of them don't go far on a gallon of gasoline. The Ford Explorer, the nation's most popular SUV, barely gets 20 miles per gallon on the highway, compared with 30 m.p.g. for a Ford Focus, a small passenger car.
Some experts aren't convinced that light trucks are moving prices higher.
Ron Planting, an economist with the American Petroleum Institute, said worldwide demand for crude oil, especially in Asia, is influencing prices a lot more than SUVs.
Experts predict gas prices will continue to be high.
"People are going to want more oil, and inventories are going to be stressed to the limits," AAA Michigan spokesman Jim Rink said. "This isn't going to go away any time soon."
Copyright 2004, Chicago Tribune
Eugeosyncline
Member
- :
- 2001 Protege ES
Most Excellent
Certainly, more accurate information from DooMer_MP3...
That is one other area where I'm gleaming satisfaction these days: In the fact that all the posseur, wussy SUV drivers out there are now paying dearly for their foolishness. The SUV trend is one I've never embraced, ever, and have harbored enormous disdain for the millions of halfwits who love these abominations-- These irresponsible, selfish clods deserve more than simply the high financial price they're paying, but it's a start, at least.
Our dependence on foreign energy is maintained by them (foreign entities, I might add, who hate us and fund hostile action against us-- Like, oh, *SAUDI ARABIA*, maybe?). Pollution levels are maintained. The safety of our roadways are jeopardized. All for their wanton, weak minded, narcissistic sense of vanity. The oil industry will try to blame other factors, but the reality of the situation is the United States is still easily the largest consumer of oil, and its OUR actions that are raising the price of this commodity.
Indignity to these people who have destroyed our safety and well being. They have no shame and deserve every sub $70 fill up. I wish them bankruptcy for their folly.
(This, to clarify, presents nothing against those who use SUVs for their real purpose-- I have never had a problem with legitimate uses; be it having a large family, needing to move large cargos about, or off road uses. But the reality of the matter is most people simply drive them alone, or with one other person. On city streets. To the store.)
Certainly, more accurate information from DooMer_MP3...
That is one other area where I'm gleaming satisfaction these days: In the fact that all the posseur, wussy SUV drivers out there are now paying dearly for their foolishness. The SUV trend is one I've never embraced, ever, and have harbored enormous disdain for the millions of halfwits who love these abominations-- These irresponsible, selfish clods deserve more than simply the high financial price they're paying, but it's a start, at least.
Our dependence on foreign energy is maintained by them (foreign entities, I might add, who hate us and fund hostile action against us-- Like, oh, *SAUDI ARABIA*, maybe?). Pollution levels are maintained. The safety of our roadways are jeopardized. All for their wanton, weak minded, narcissistic sense of vanity. The oil industry will try to blame other factors, but the reality of the situation is the United States is still easily the largest consumer of oil, and its OUR actions that are raising the price of this commodity.
Indignity to these people who have destroyed our safety and well being. They have no shame and deserve every sub $70 fill up. I wish them bankruptcy for their folly.
(This, to clarify, presents nothing against those who use SUVs for their real purpose-- I have never had a problem with legitimate uses; be it having a large family, needing to move large cargos about, or off road uses. But the reality of the matter is most people simply drive them alone, or with one other person. On city streets. To the store.)
I agree that high gas prices aren't good for businesses and it does eventually affect many other things we buy - like milk, toys, etc etc. But at the same time, high oil prices will just end up hurting the oil companies over the long run because it WILL price itself right out of the market if it goes too high. This is why Saudi Arabia is going to increase production - they think that oil is at about the "fair" price right now and if it goes too much higher demand will begin to drop, not only in the short term but PERMANENTLY.
This same thing happened to the newsprint business many years ago - the price of printing paper went WAY up, demand eventually decreased as people and businesses resorted to other forms of communication, and demand has NEVER CAME BACK TO THE SAME LEVELS ever since and it never will. The same will happen to oil if prices get too high and stay too high. People will realize that life can go on without oil. It would mean an enormous lifestyle change for all of us, but it's not impossible. So again I say, bring on the gas that's $20 a gallon. I'm ready for it...the rest of the world may not be but they'll get ready in a big hurry that way.
This same thing happened to the newsprint business many years ago - the price of printing paper went WAY up, demand eventually decreased as people and businesses resorted to other forms of communication, and demand has NEVER CAME BACK TO THE SAME LEVELS ever since and it never will. The same will happen to oil if prices get too high and stay too high. People will realize that life can go on without oil. It would mean an enormous lifestyle change for all of us, but it's not impossible. So again I say, bring on the gas that's $20 a gallon. I'm ready for it...the rest of the world may not be but they'll get ready in a big hurry that way.
You all do realize that it is not just SUV's that suffer. It is snow ball effect that increases the inflation rate on EVERYTHING that is shipped. So that means virtually everything. This includes food prices, so before you wish 20 dollars a gallon, think of the people who don't even own cars and struggle to put food on the table. If it costs a company more to transport, they will pass that cost on to the consumer, don't think that you can just ride a bike and be unaffected. That is just not the case, sorry to burst all your bubbles that you are only sticking it to SUV's.girth said:
Eugeosyncline
Member
- :
- 2001 Protege ES
No Bubble To Burst, Sir
I havent any bubbles to burst, as Ive already spoken directly to the reality that universal prices increase with the cost of fuel. And indeed, when these ass-tard SUV drivers take demand to new highs, they take the rest of us with them on their egotistical journey. So I havent any change in my contempt for those bloody things or the people who buy them.
And I also spoke to the reality that shipping costs increase (the primary component of universal price increases). And I provided a feasible solution: Use trains to transport goods over long distances instead of individual trucks (which are patently inefficient). The only reason trains arent as widely used anymore, as they had been for a hundred years from the mid 19th to 20th centuries, is because of truck lobbies who favor making money for themselves over efficiency, environmental stewardship, and the auspices of logic.
So while I wouldnt generally wish for higher fuel prices, as they come I can at least take pleasure in knowing that these vermin are to pay a higher price than I have to. And as that proverbial $20 per gallon price nears, more and more people will speak out against the reasons for that price, and they'll begin to demand solutions (like new sources of energy, insisting on more efficient vehicles, expecting more logical methods of moving goods, etc.).
Therefore, I say again: Bring it on.
I havent any bubbles to burst, as Ive already spoken directly to the reality that universal prices increase with the cost of fuel. And indeed, when these ass-tard SUV drivers take demand to new highs, they take the rest of us with them on their egotistical journey. So I havent any change in my contempt for those bloody things or the people who buy them.
And I also spoke to the reality that shipping costs increase (the primary component of universal price increases). And I provided a feasible solution: Use trains to transport goods over long distances instead of individual trucks (which are patently inefficient). The only reason trains arent as widely used anymore, as they had been for a hundred years from the mid 19th to 20th centuries, is because of truck lobbies who favor making money for themselves over efficiency, environmental stewardship, and the auspices of logic.
So while I wouldnt generally wish for higher fuel prices, as they come I can at least take pleasure in knowing that these vermin are to pay a higher price than I have to. And as that proverbial $20 per gallon price nears, more and more people will speak out against the reasons for that price, and they'll begin to demand solutions (like new sources of energy, insisting on more efficient vehicles, expecting more logical methods of moving goods, etc.).
Therefore, I say again: Bring it on.
- :
- 92 & 16 Meyatas
wow, just 3 yrs ago!!
sanblaster
Member
- :
- 2009 CWP Mazda Axela Sport & 2006 Nissan 350z
Thanks Mark...
**** that. How about we get some politicians in office that will do something about the absurd profits being made by the oil industry. That would be a good start. Supply isn't the real problem right now, its greedy assholes that lack a conscience.
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- '13 CWP MS3 & '16 Mazda6 GT
why would politicians stop oil companies from making money? That would mean they wouldnt be making money.
TheDutchGun
Member
- :
- 2006 Ford Mustang GT
I lost the right to b**** about gas prices the day I bought a sports car with a
V8 in it.
I feel I do however have the right to b**** about the prices of cars up here in Canada. Even with our Dollar so close to the US Dollar we pay a lot more than you Americans. Same goes for gas I think. $1.00 or so a Litre = almost $4.00 per gallon if I'm not mistaken. (I don't know the exact amount of Litres in a Gallon, Assumed it was around 4)
V8 in it.
I feel I do however have the right to b**** about the prices of cars up here in Canada. Even with our Dollar so close to the US Dollar we pay a lot more than you Americans. Same goes for gas I think. $1.00 or so a Litre = almost $4.00 per gallon if I'm not mistaken. (I don't know the exact amount of Litres in a Gallon, Assumed it was around 4)
^^ There are 3.78 litres in one US gallon, and 4.54 litres in one imperial (british) gallon. Also, gas in canada is taxed at a higher rate than that most US states IIRC.
And when you talk about OPEC, remember that while they largely set the price of oil, the single biggest source of foreign oil in the United States is Canada. Most people seem to forget that. Of couse, when you add up the OPEC countries they are bigger than the imports from canada.
Also, quit complaining about the profits of the oil companies and buy some shares in them. Then you can share in their wealth.
And when you talk about OPEC, remember that while they largely set the price of oil, the single biggest source of foreign oil in the United States is Canada. Most people seem to forget that. Of couse, when you add up the OPEC countries they are bigger than the imports from canada.
Also, quit complaining about the profits of the oil companies and buy some shares in them. Then you can share in their wealth.
Why not both? Even better... and our (US) supply is part of the problem. We buy way too much oil overseas....
This is just in case you were being serious. Their job should be to represent whats in the best interest of the people, not Exxon Mobile, Shell, BP, etc. Unfortunately for us they have more money to throw around than the average tax payer.
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- '13 CWP MS3 & '16 Mazda6 GT
I was being serious 
Thing is, most politicians have great interest in the oil companies monetarily, so why would they take money from themselves...they dont have the peoples best interests in mind, they'er politicians LOL
Thing is, most politicians have great interest in the oil companies monetarily, so why would they take money from themselves...they dont have the peoples best interests in mind, they'er politicians LOL
I was being serious
Yea I know, thats what sucks. It makes me so angry I want to punch a frog. But everytime I go to do it I just start laughing and decide I don't want to hurt a frog.
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- '13 CWP MS3 & '16 Mazda6 GT
lol Punching a frog would be prettyy funny looking
