Why Aren't We Mad About Gas Prices

In 2004, gas prices were $1.61, in 2006 $2.86, in 2007 $3.11, in 2008 gas prices reached $4.12. Gas prices have again increased to over $4.00 a gallon for regular gas. According to the US Energy Information Administration gas prices consists of 4 factors: crude oil 53%, federal and state taxes 22%, refining costs and profits 14%, and distribution and marketing 11%. When crude oil prices increase consumers see an at the gas pump.

U.S. oil production is the highest it has been in the past eight years. However, the U.S. has relied on the least amount of foreign oil in the last 16 years, but the media would have you believe otherwise. Gas prices do not increase or decrease based on who is elected President. Gas prices are affected by the declining value of the dollar overseas, the threats of war or fuel shortages, natural disasters and gas prices also increase due to demand. The wars in Libya, Nigeria, Afghanistan, Iraq, Hurricane Katrina and other natural disasters have also affected gas prices.

Oil production was increased worldwide. The value of the dollar continues decline. The media blames high gas prices on the greed of oil companies and lack of government programs and reform. However, the government cannot control supply and demand. There has been an increase in oil demand in India and China as well as Venezuela and the Middle East. Gas in Oslo, Norway is $9.33, in Rome, Italy it is $8.51.

Americans are partly to blame for the high gas prices. One reason demand in the U.S. remains high is due to consumers driving SUVs and large trucks. To permanently lower gas prices we must explore oil exploration and alternative oil sources. Brazil uses Ethanol and is no longer dependent on gas. Brazil is the largest exporter of ethanol. Ethanol produced from sugarcane is cheaper, provides energy that is renewable and has a lower carbon footprint. Bioethanol reduces air pollution and reduces global warming by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Several studies have shown that sugarcane based ethanol reduces greenhouse gases by 86 - 90%.

Gas prices will continue to spike through the summer as many people drive to visit their favorite vacation spot because it some cases, driving costs less than flying a family of four. Other alternatives to high gas prices are using public transportation, walking, carpooling or telecommuting.

Do more than just complain. Complaining only has a short-term affect unless you take action. We can’t change the high gas prices if we continue to buy gas guzzlers. We can’t change gas prices if we drive one mile to go to the store instead of walking. We can’t improve the environment if we continue to drive and emit gas fumes into the air or delay getting oil changes every 3,000 miles. I used to fill up my gas tank with $12 now it takes $38.

Since this is an election year make you voice heard by asking for change. Don’t just say you don’t like the high gas prices, explain to politicians how it affects your life and provide possible suggestions for helping to lower gas prices. Here are 8 tips to save money on gas.

1. Drive the speed limit.
2. Buy a fuel-efficient car.
3. Drive with the windows down instead of using the air conditioner.
4. Combine nearby trips on the same day.
5. Buy gas early in the morning.
6. Drive 2-3 car lengths behind the car in front of you. This will require you to stop and accelerate less often.
7. Use cruise control when driving on the highway.
8. Keep tires properly inflated.

Fight High Gas Prices With a Gas Challenge

If you notice that every year during election season gas prices slowly start to increase and reach a peak in the summertime because many Americans travel during the summer. Gas prices start to decrease right before or right after November elections.

One reason for the high prices now is due to the conflict with Iran who has threatened to disrupt oil shipments due to the European Union sanctions because of Iran’s nuclear program which has caused the price of crude to drastically increase.

Another reason for the high gas prices is due to the decrease in the unemployment rate and improved housing market. Gas and oil prices have increased because the powers that be assume that since the economy is improving and people are spending more money they have more money to spend on gas and other items which is just speculation and a farce.

People are spending more money because products and services costs more than they did 1 or 2 years ago such as food, clothing, housing, college tuition and other items that are continuing to increase in price. High gas prices put more strain on Americans families and small business owner who are already struggling to make ends meet.

The European Union’s bailout adds to the worldwide demand for fuel. Alaskans are paying $4.40 per gallon, Chicago and Hawaii pay $4.50 per gallon and Tulsa and Wyoming pay $3.50 per gallon. To help ease the burden of high gas prices put yourself on a gas challenge by following these 14 tips:

1. Determine the number of miles it takes you to go everywhere you drive including infrequent trips or one-time trips even if it just down the street.
2. Calculate the number of miles per gallon your car gets
3. Calculate the cost of gas required each time you drive your car and calculate the total amount of gas needed for driving for a week including the weekends.
4. Compare the cost of taking public transportation each day versus driving each day to work and places you travel the most. Research community buses, carpool, and shared rides.
5. Compare the cost of walking a portion of the distance or walking the entire distance for a destination.
6. Map out the quickest routes when driving and alternate routes that take a little longer. Try to take the quickest routes more often when driving.
7. When driving combine trips in the same area on the same day, i.e. buy gas, go grocery shopping, cleaners, post office, convenience store in the same area to save money on gas.
8. Stop complaining about gas prices if you drive a gas guzzler and buy a more fuel efficient car.
9. Do more than just complain, take action. Contact your Congressman, local city council and other government officials, local newspapers, local radio and news stations and demand oil companies’ lower gas prices.
10. Buy a hybrid car or fuel efficient car.
11. Take public transportation.
12. Walk more often, i.e. walk to work and when shopping.
13. Buy regular gas unless otherwise noted in the manufacturers guide.
14. Compare the time it takes to drive, use public transportation, ride a bike or walk. Use all the data to determine which is most important you: convenience, cost, time, etc. and select the best transportation method.

How to Pay for Gas and Everything Else

The national average price of regular gas was $3.91 last week. The all-time record high was in July 2008 at $4.11 a gallon. I predict that gas will reach $5 a gallon by the end of the summer. Some states are already paying more than $4 a gallon for regular gas such as Alaska ($4.20), California ($4.23), Connecticut ($4.20), New York ($4.12) and the average price in the District of Columbia is $4.11. If gas prices continue to soar this will cause major financial problems for many Americans.

When gas prices soared in 2008 Americans protested and voiced their concerns. Does any care that gas prices are high or it is just me? I understand the history and fundamental conditions that cause gas prices to rise but does that make it right. Americans are still trying to recover from the effects of the recession in 2008. Approximately 1,000,000 Americans filed for personal bankruptcy in 2010. Many more Americans are living paycheck to paycheck.

The cost of gas has crimpled many Americans. For SUV and truck owners getting gas can be as expensive as a car payment. Here are 15 tips to help save money on gas which will free up money to help pay for other monthly expenses:

1. Compare Prices. Comparison shop by using sites such as gasbuddy.com to find the cheapest gas price in your area.
2. Keep your trunk empty. Remove heavy and unnecessary items from your trunk. Traveling with a lighter load helps improve your gas mileage.
3. Revving. Avoid revving or idling you engine over 30 seconds. Avoid waiting in long drive-thru lines.
4. Driving. Drive the speed limit and accelerate gradually. This reduces the amount of gas needed.
5. AC. Limit using the a/c, roll down the car windows to get air and save on gas.
6. Regular maintenance. Perform regular maintenance on your car at the scheduled intervals, make sure you get regular tune-ups, oil changes, check tire pressure, air filters, and check your tires for wear. Don’t ignore the check engine light. This will improve gas mileage and save you money in the future.
7. Getting gas. Fill your gas tank up early in the morning or in the evening when it’s cooler to reduce evaporation. Avoid topping off. epa.gov/air/actions/drive_wise.html.
8. Skip the fancy tires. When your fancy tires wear out buy the standard tires that were on the car when you purchased it. This will improve gas mileage. The standard tires also provide a better ride especially on the highway.
9. Carpool. Offer to pick up co-workers or friends who work near your job. Make sure you charge enough money to cover the increasing costs of gas and inform your carpool riders that the price may increase as gas costs increase.
10. Prepaid gas card. Purchase a prepaid gas card. Some prepaid gas cards may have an expiration date and/or inactivity fees but depends on the company. Chevron, Texaco, Shell and BP prepaid gas cards do not have an expiration date and do not charge inactivity fees. You can use the site mygallons.com to purchase a prepaid gas card at a fixed price.
11. Downgrade. Trade in your expensive car for a cheaper car or get a more fuel efficient car. This will save you money which can be used to pay down debt, pay for necessary household expenses or save for an emergency fund.
12. Combine Trips. If possible combine nearby trips on the same day to reduce gas usage.
13. Businesses and fleet managers can comparison shop and use fuel banks to save money on gas at www.fuelbank.com. Use the savings calculator to see how much money you save using a fuel bank.
14. Protest. Write your congressman and the White House and demand lower gas prices. Also, write the major oil companies such as BP, Shell, Sunoco, Texaco, Chevron and ExxonMobil and demand they lower their gas prices.
15. Reduce spending in other areas to make sure you have enough to pay for rising gas costs.