THE BORE

General => The Superdeep Borehole => Topic started by: Ganhyun on April 23, 2008, 04:31:13 PM

Title: $100 fill-ups arrive at gas pumps. Americans continue to complain
Post by: Ganhyun on April 23, 2008, 04:31:13 PM: http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/04/23/gas.prices/index.html

lol.

So how does everyone here feel about these prices and what do you think it will hit this summer?

(http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb127/ganhyun/gastory.jpg)

I'm betting, without a Hurricane or such, nationwide average of 4.30 a gallon. If a Hurricane or such does happen again, I'm betting $6 a gallon gas.
Title: Re: $100 fill-ups arrive at gas pumps. Americans continue to complain
Post by: ShogunOfFear on April 23, 2008, 04:37:18 PM: I believe in my life time we'll see gas prices reach UK levels here, so I expect this and much worse. Also I plan on investing in one of these
(http://www.rawstory.com/images/other/minicat010408.jpg)

A car that runs off of air and is in a good price range, now if they can just work on its looks.
Title: Re: $100 fill-ups arrive at gas pumps. Americans continue to complain
Post by: Ganhyun on April 23, 2008, 04:38:15 PM: Quote from: ParticleReality on April 23, 2008, 04:34:43 PM
This is why I'd work close to home. I'd just ride my bike to work*

*I need a bike.

Also, good thing my household never needs to go all over the place.

Edit:

Quote
Nearby, Dolly Sarlo fills up her black Mercedes. She says it's time for Americans to "vote with your dollars and to stop using gas" and use public transportation more.

Oh come on, this is too easy.

Yea, I thought that was funny.

I myself need a motorcycle since I have to go 25 miles each way to work. Even with a Corolla, it adds up still :(
Title: Re: $100 fill-ups arrive at gas pumps. Americans continue to complain
Post by: recursivelyenumerable on April 23, 2008, 04:38:51 PM: first comment
Quote
When President Bush took office, gasoline was under $2 a gallon. Iraq is making millions of dollars from its oil profits, yet Americans are paying for the costs to rebuild Iraq.

MILLIONS OF DOLLARS
Title: Re: $100 fill-ups arrive at gas pumps. Americans continue to complain
Post by: Mupepe on April 23, 2008, 04:39:14 PM: ~90 bucks to fill up my truck :american
Title: Re: $100 fill-ups arrive at gas pumps. Americans continue to complain
Post by: Mupepe on April 23, 2008, 04:42:48 PM: Quote from: ParticleReality on April 23, 2008, 04:41:02 PM
Quote from: recursivelyenumerable on April 23, 2008, 04:38:51 PM
first comment
Quote
When President Bush took office, gasoline was under $2 a gallon. Iraq is making millions of dollars from its oil profits, yet Americans are paying for the costs to rebuild Iraq.

MILLIONS OF DOLLARS

Its more like trillions right?

Oh and where was gas under $2?
... all over the place?
Title: Re: $100 fill-ups arrive at gas pumps. Americans continue to complain
Post by: hyp on April 23, 2008, 04:43:38 PM: living 2 miles from work = win.
Title: Re: $100 fill-ups arrive at gas pumps. Americans continue to complain
Post by: FlameOfCallandor on April 23, 2008, 04:44:16 PM: Economics 101: The Price of Gas

Gas prices are up and oil executives are once again testifying before Congress. Clearly, many politicians, pundits, and consumers lament the rising cost of gas. Before we join them in their chorus, let us take a step back and ask this question: Are gas prices really all that high?

A change in price can be a result of inflation, taxes, changes in supply and demand, or any combination of the three.

First, we need to take into account inflation. The result of the Federal Reserve printing too much money is a loss of purchasing power of the dollar: something that cost $1.00 in 1950 would cost about $8.78 today. As for gas prices, in 1950 the price of gas was approximately 30 cents per gallon. Adjusted for inflation, a gallon of gas today should cost right at $2.64, assuming taxes are the same.

But taxes have not stayed the same. The tax per gallon of gas in 1950 was roughly 1.5% of the price. Today, federal, state, and local taxes account for approximately 20% of gas's posted price. Taking inflation and the increase in taxes into account (assuming no change in supply or demand) the same gallon of gas that cost 30 cents in 1950 should today cost about $3.13.

Neither have supply or demand remained constant. The world economy is growing. China and India are obvious examples. At the same time, Americans continue to love driving SUVs and trucks. As for supply, we are prohibited (whatever the reasons may be) from using many of the known oil reserves in our own country. Furthermore, due to government regulation, the last oil refinery built in the United States was completed in 1976. In addition, the Middle East is politically unstable which leads to a risk premium on the world's major source of oil. It is obvious that the demand for oil has grown while supplies have been restricted.

The average price of gas in the United States today is approximately $3.25. The question is, why are gas prices not higher than they are?

Blaming greedy oil companies on the rising price of gas is simply irresponsible. The profit margins of a few selected industries are as follows:

Periodical Publishing   24.9%
Shipping   18.8%
Application Software   22.5%
Tobacco   19%
Water Utilities   10.2%
Major Integrated Oil and Gas   9.5%
Hospitals   1.4%
Drugstores   2.8%

The water utility industry has higher profit margins than major oil and gas firms! Why isn't every CEO with profit margins above that of the oil companies made to testify before Congress for "price gouging"? Clearly, greedy corporate profits are not the issue.

Again, while just over nine percent of the price of a gallon of gas goes to oil company profits, approximately twenty percent of the price of a gallon of gas is composed of federal, state, and local taxes.

Those who want the government to step in and do something about the high price of gas are either forgetful of recent history or too young to remember the oil crisis of 1979. During that time, restrictions on the price of gasoline led to the inability of some to find gas at all. Price ceilings always lead to shortages. The only thing worse than having to pay "too much" for gas is not being able to find gas at any price.

Let us not be swayed by politicians out for power or by reporters out to create news where none exists. Facts and economic logic should prevail rather than rhetoric.
Title: Re: $100 fill-ups arrive at gas pumps. Americans continue to complain
Post by: ShogunOfFear on April 23, 2008, 04:48:00 PM: Gas prices are not ever going below $2 a gallon again. Damn thought I beat the bush bash in... Doesn't matter if we're in/out of Iraq, and doesn't matter who the next president is either. Supply and Demand is changing globally as other nations grow not to mention food prices are climbing behind the gas prices. Also the more Ethanol we produce the less supply we have of corn, sorghum, and wheat. This will trigger shortages in other supplies which will equal higher prices.

Will the next great war be fought over food?
Title: Re: $100 fill-ups arrive at gas pumps. Americans continue to complain
Post by: Eric P on April 23, 2008, 04:50:13 PM: we just moved my office

i now drive twice as far starting monday

we'll see how long i keep my job
Title: Re: $100 fill-ups arrive at gas pumps. Americans continue to complain
Post by: jobber on April 23, 2008, 04:54:24 PM: this topic sucks ass
Title: Re: $100 fill-ups arrive at gas pumps. Americans continue to complain
Post by: Ganhyun on April 23, 2008, 04:54:48 PM: Quote from: Mupepe on April 23, 2008, 04:42:48 PM
Quote from: ParticleReality on April 23, 2008, 04:41:02 PM
Quote from: recursivelyenumerable on April 23, 2008, 04:38:51 PM
first comment
Quote
When President Bush took office, gasoline was under $2 a gallon. Iraq is making millions of dollars from its oil profits, yet Americans are paying for the costs to rebuild Iraq.

MILLIONS OF DOLLARS

Its more like trillions right?

Oh and where was gas under $2?
... all over the place?

don't forget, that Particle is 15 I think? He'd have been too young or not born to remember the cheap gas days. :)
Title: Re: $100 fill-ups arrive at gas pumps. Americans continue to complain
Post by: Tauntaun on April 23, 2008, 04:55:23 PM: Quote from: ShogunOfFear on April 23, 2008, 04:48:00 PM
Gas prices are not ever going below $2 a gallon again. Damn thought I beat the bush bash in... Doesn't matter if we're in/out of Iraq, and doesn't matter who the next president is either. Supply and Demand is changing globally as other nations grow not to mention food prices are climbing behind the gas prices. Also the more Ethanol we produce the less supply we have of corn, sorghum, and wheat. This will trigger shortages in other supplies which will equal higher prices.

Will the next great war be fought over food?

Battlefield 2142 says yes. :gun
Title: Re: $100 fill-ups arrive at gas pumps. Americans continue to complain
Post by: Smooth Groove on April 23, 2008, 04:55:50 PM: Why are gas companies making record profits when consumers are supposedly just paying market value for gas?
Title: Re: $100 fill-ups arrive at gas pumps. Americans continue to complain
Post by: Ganhyun on April 23, 2008, 04:56:25 PM: Quote from: jobber on April 23, 2008, 04:54:24 PM
this topic sucks ass

(http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb127/ganhyun/fail.gif)
Title: Re: $100 fill-ups arrive at gas pumps. Americans continue to complain
Post by: jobber on April 23, 2008, 04:57:02 PM: Quote from: Ganhyun on April 23, 2008, 04:56:25 PM
Quote from: jobber on April 23, 2008, 04:54:24 PM
this topic sucks ass

(http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb127/ganhyun/fail.gif)

fuck up tard
Title: Re: $100 fill-ups arrive at gas pumps. Americans continue to complain
Post by: Ganhyun on April 23, 2008, 04:57:15 PM: Quote from: Smooth Groove on April 23, 2008, 04:55:50 PM
Why are gas companies making record profits when consumers are supposedly just paying market value for gas?

Because it costs them Billions of Dollars to invest in equipment/mining costs?
Title: Re: $100 fill-ups arrive at gas pumps. Americans continue to complain
Post by: ShogunOfFear on April 23, 2008, 04:57:51 PM: Quote from: Smooth Groove on April 23, 2008, 04:55:50 PM
Why are gas companies making record profits when consumers are supposedly just paying market value for gas?

Uh because Americans keep buying the gas
Title: Re: $100 fill-ups arrive at gas pumps. Americans continue to complain
Post by: Smooth Groove on April 23, 2008, 04:58:54 PM: Quote from: Ganhyun on April 23, 2008, 04:57:15 PM
Quote from: Smooth Groove on April 23, 2008, 04:55:50 PM
Why are gas companies making record profits when consumers are supposedly just paying market value for gas?

Because it costs them Billions of Dollars to invest in equipment/mining costs?

If they were spending that much money, they wouldn't be getting record profits.
Title: Re: $100 fill-ups arrive at gas pumps. Americans continue to complain
Post by: Ganhyun on April 23, 2008, 04:59:01 PM: Quote from: jobber on April 23, 2008, 04:57:02 PM
Quote from: Ganhyun on April 23, 2008, 04:56:25 PM
Quote from: jobber on April 23, 2008, 04:54:24 PM
this topic sucks ass

(http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb127/ganhyun/fail.gif)

fuck up tard

lol, don't hate man, lol. I'm just defending my topic. :) ;)
Title: Re: $100 fill-ups arrive at gas pumps. Americans continue to complain
Post by: Tauntaun on April 23, 2008, 04:59:03 PM: Quote from: ParticleReality on April 23, 2008, 04:58:21 PM
The past is amazing.

Don't worry, it will soon be here again as we like to repeat ourselves.
Title: Re: $100 fill-ups arrive at gas pumps. Americans continue to complain
Post by: Tauntaun on April 23, 2008, 05:00:32 PM: (http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb127/ganhyun/magic/koolaidman2.jpg)
avatar

>

(http://img75.imageshack.us/img75/7536/joberftwgm7.gif)
avatar
Title: Re: $100 fill-ups arrive at gas pumps. Americans continue to complain
Post by: lordmaji on April 23, 2008, 05:01:07 PM: I drive about 55.12 miles to work and back everyday, not including the days I have to work weekends. Yeah, it tends to suck w/ gas prices. :(
Title: Re: $100 fill-ups arrive at gas pumps. Americans continue to complain
Post by: Ganhyun on April 23, 2008, 05:03:40 PM: Quote from: Smooth Groove on April 23, 2008, 04:58:54 PM
Quote from: Ganhyun on April 23, 2008, 04:57:15 PM
Quote from: Smooth Groove on April 23, 2008, 04:55:50 PM
Why are gas companies making record profits when consumers are supposedly just paying market value for gas?

Because it costs them Billions of Dollars to invest in equipment/mining costs?

If they were spending that much money, they wouldn't be getting record profits.

Well, they spend Billions on what I mentioned, then make it back really quickly because the world buys a whole lotta Oil/Gas products. ;)
Title: Re: $100 fill-ups arrive at gas pumps. Americans continue to complain
Post by: FlameOfCallandor on April 23, 2008, 05:07:04 PM: Quote from: Smooth Groove on April 23, 2008, 04:58:54 PM

If they were spending that much money, they wouldn't be getting record profits.

Because people pay for it.
Title: Re: $100 fill-ups arrive at gas pumps. Americans continue to complain
Post by: Mr. Gundam on April 23, 2008, 05:11:41 PM: I think we paid $62 to fill up my wife's Jeep the other day.

Luckily, my POS Ford Escort commuter car now only costs about $34 to fill up...

ONLY!!
Title: Re: $100 fill-ups arrive at gas pumps. Americans continue to complain
Post by: BlueTsunami on April 23, 2008, 05:16:29 PM: Don't blame the Behemoth Oil Monsters, blame Americans for buying a resource thats vital for day to day tasks.

I hope theres a huge backlash that forces a small group of armed Americans to create some group bent on taking down these fat companies. Why?

1) Getting raped sucks
2) I always wanted to join said group
Title: Re: $100 fill-ups arrive at gas pumps. Americans continue to complain
Post by: Eric P on April 23, 2008, 05:17:25 PM: Quote
Luckily, my POS Ford Escort commuter car now only costs about $34 to fill up...

same

yay ford focus!
Title: Re: $100 fill-ups arrive at gas pumps. Americans continue to complain
Post by: ShogunOfFear on April 23, 2008, 05:18:43 PM: Yeah they just have to buy those SUV's that seat 8 people when they are a family of four they couldn't live without them >:( And damn a company wanting to be in the game to make a profit I think I'll start one to see how many record losses I can make.
Title: Re: $100 fill-ups arrive at gas pumps. Americans continue to complain
Post by: AdmiralViscen on April 23, 2008, 05:21:46 PM: I love big cars and that won't change.

But my next car will probably be a midsize. I plan on doing some work on my other car this summer so I'll have that for my big V8 fun time.
Title: Re: $100 fill-ups arrive at gas pumps. Americans continue to complain
Post by: Mr. Gundam on April 23, 2008, 05:28:13 PM: Quote from: Eric P on April 23, 2008, 05:17:25 PM
Quote
Luckily, my POS Ford Escort commuter car now only costs about $34 to fill up...

same

yay ford focus!

I drive a 1992 Ford Escort. Even though I take good care of it and it runs like a charm, it has lots of dents and a cracked windshield. I'm guessing your Focus is much newer.

It's a good thing I'm already married, because this car would never attract a girl!
Title: Re: $100 fill-ups arrive at gas pumps. Americans continue to complain
Post by: Eric P on April 23, 2008, 05:37:06 PM: it's a 2000. it has horrible year-one quirks

like my electrical system
Title: Re: $100 fill-ups arrive at gas pumps. Americans continue to complain
Post by: Mr. Gundam on April 23, 2008, 05:53:34 PM: Quote from: Eric P on April 23, 2008, 05:37:06 PM
it's a 2000. it has horrible year-one quirks

like my electrical system

I have to replace the ignition switch in my car about every 18 months or so. Even though a new car would be great, I don't want car payments.
Title: Re: $100 fill-ups arrive at gas pumps. Americans continue to complain
Post by: lordmaji on April 23, 2008, 05:54:22 PM: Oh well, I guess I need to stop driving that gas hog 4Cyl Dodge Stratus to work. :(
Title: Re: $100 fill-ups arrive at gas pumps. Americans continue to complain
Post by: AdmiralViscen on April 23, 2008, 05:57:46 PM: Quote from: lordmaji on April 23, 2008, 05:54:22 PM
Oh well, I guess I need to stop driving that gas hog 4Cyl Dodge Stratus to work. :(

:lol

I don't think I could have a worse lineup of vehicles when it comes to gas mileage. My best gets 25mpg on an empty highway and like 17-18 in city.
Title: Re: $100 fill-ups arrive at gas pumps. Americans continue to complain
Post by: Ganhyun on April 23, 2008, 05:59:10 PM: Quote from: AdmiralViscen on April 23, 2008, 05:57:46 PM
Quote from: lordmaji on April 23, 2008, 05:54:22 PM
Oh well, I guess I need to stop driving that gas hog 4Cyl Dodge Stratus to work. :(

:lol

I don't think I could have a worse lineup of vehicles when it comes to gas mileage. My best gets 25mpg on an empty highway and like 17-18 in city.

lol, thats true to many american though, don't feel bad or anything.

In High School, I drove a 13 MPG truck. I've since learned and drive an 02 Corolla. Much better mileage.
Title: Re: $100 fill-ups arrive at gas pumps. Americans continue to complain
Post by: Mupepe on April 23, 2008, 06:00:11 PM: 20mpg highway, 16 city

f 150 :rock
Title: Re: $100 fill-ups arrive at gas pumps. Americans continue to complain
Post by: AdmiralViscen on April 23, 2008, 06:06:27 PM: Quote from: Ganhyun on April 23, 2008, 05:59:10 PM
Quote from: AdmiralViscen on April 23, 2008, 05:57:46 PM
Quote from: lordmaji on April 23, 2008, 05:54:22 PM
Oh well, I guess I need to stop driving that gas hog 4Cyl Dodge Stratus to work. :(

:lol

I don't think I could have a worse lineup of vehicles when it comes to gas mileage. My best gets 25mpg on an empty highway and like 17-18 in city.

lol, thats true to many american though, don't feel bad or anything.

In High School, I drove a 13 MPG truck. I've since learned and drive an 02 Corolla. Much better mileage.

fagggg

spoiler (click to show/hide)
:-[
[close]
Title: Re: $100 fill-ups arrive at gas pumps. Americans continue to complain
Post by: xnikki118x on April 24, 2008, 02:10:49 AM: My first car cost like $12 to fill up. Gas was $1.19 or something when I started driving. AND I'M ONLY 22 YEARS OLD! :'(
Title: Re: $100 fill-ups arrive at gas pumps. Americans continue to complain
Post by: Madrun Badrun on April 24, 2008, 02:16:15 AM: Quote from: xnikki118x on April 24, 2008, 02:10:49 AM
My first car cost like $12 to fill up. Gas was $1.19 or something when I started driving. AND I'M ONLY 22 YEARS OLD! :'(

:lol
Title: Re: $100 fill-ups arrive at gas pumps. Americans continue to complain
Post by: Bloodwake on April 24, 2008, 02:33:01 AM: fucking gas prices.
Title: Re: $100 fill-ups arrive at gas pumps. Americans continue to complain
Post by: xnikki118x on April 24, 2008, 05:03:37 AM: How is your tire pressure? Also, are all your filter things clean? I know all that can screw with your gas mileage.

[Like my terminology? "Filter things"? I know dick for cars, too, pretty much.]
Title: Re: $100 fill-ups arrive at gas pumps. Americans continue to complain
Post by: xnikki118x on April 24, 2008, 05:16:17 AM: Lesson learned, I guess. That totally sucks though. :(

Look into your state's Lemon Laws. Seriously. Just because your car runs doesn't mean it isn't a lemon.
Title: Re: $100 fill-ups arrive at gas pumps. Americans continue to complain
Post by: brawndolicious on April 24, 2008, 10:45:15 AM: Quote from: ShogunOfFear on April 23, 2008, 04:37:18 PM
I believe in my life time we'll see gas prices reach UK levels here, so I expect this and much worse. Also I plan on investing in one of these

Air Car Pic

A car that runs off of air and is in a good price range, now if they can just work on its looks.
I don't get how those things make sense. They'd have no range and the environmental benefits are negligible since it still takes power to compress the air.

Personally, I think that ethanol + plug-in hybrids will be in most cars within the next 10 years. After that, electric cars will hopefully take off. The only downside to those cars is how long it takes to recharge them (usually overnight). It would be really awesome though if a sort of "third rail" system was built into the highways so that you can do long distance 100+ mile drives where the car instantly hooks up to the system when it's low on power and the owner of the car is charged. If this system was in place, major streets/expressways would of course also have this in them so that nobody is too far away from power.

The only downside that I can think of to that future is that people would be using peak hour electricity to power their cars. Then again, they would be recharging their cars during the middle of the night when it's cheaper and car manufacturers would probably be competing for the highest efficiency in miles-to-watts.
Title: Re: $100 fill-ups arrive at gas pumps. Americans continue to complain
Post by: Mupepe on April 24, 2008, 10:58:58 AM: Quote from: am nintenho on April 24, 2008, 10:45:15 AM
Quote from: ShogunOfFear on April 23, 2008, 04:37:18 PM
I believe in my life time we'll see gas prices reach UK levels here, so I expect this and much worse. Also I plan on investing in one of these

Air Car Pic

A car that runs off of air and is in a good price range, now if they can just work on its looks.
I don't get how those things make sense. They'd have no range and the environmental benefits are negligible since it still takes power to compress the air.
Actually, one has been developed that can go 4000 miles on one tank of gas
Title: Re: $100 fill-ups arrive at gas pumps. Americans continue to complain
Post by: Mupepe on April 24, 2008, 10:59:45 AM: Quote from: Forgotten Ancient on April 24, 2008, 04:24:14 AM
There is something seriously wrong with my grand prix and I'm only getting about 13 miles per gallon. It's fucking distinguished mentally-challenged and I have half the mind to go out and buy a different car since I got a couple of pretty decent raises lately. Trouble is, I know dick for cars and probably would screw myself over royally in the process.
Spark plugs, fuel filter, fuel pump, fuel injectors

What year is the car?
Title: Re: $100 fill-ups arrive at gas pumps. Americans continue to complain
Post by: AdmiralViscen on April 24, 2008, 12:35:57 PM: FA see: Mupepe

Electrics don't do shit when all our wall outlets are powered by coal and shit anyway, fuel cells ftw and ethanol if that new 2010 factory comes through.
Title: Re: $100 fill-ups arrive at gas pumps. Americans continue to complain
Post by: Mupepe on April 24, 2008, 12:55:51 PM: Check Engine light on?

Have them run a diagnostics and see if anything comes up. That's usually free.
Title: Re: $100 fill-ups arrive at gas pumps. Americans continue to complain
Post by: AdmiralViscen on April 24, 2008, 12:56:17 PM: What a nightmare. I don't really think the previous gen Grand Prix was a great choice iirc
Title: Re: $100 fill-ups arrive at gas pumps. Americans continue to complain
Post by: AdmiralViscen on April 24, 2008, 01:17:02 PM: Not to beat on you but you should never trade out of a sure thing for another used vehicle, especially from a private seller.

Just buy a year or two old car, from a dealer, with the best free warranty possible.
Title: Re: $100 fill-ups arrive at gas pumps. Americans continue to complain
Post by: Mupepe on April 24, 2008, 01:37:10 PM: f'real real, if a car is treating you good, stick with it.

also, take your car in and get the computer checked for any warnings with the car. The fact that the light isn't working could also be an electrical problem or a problem with the onboard computer chip. The latter can also fuck up gas mileage but I doubt that's it. I still say fuel filter, fuel pump or fuel injector