Quote:
Originally Posted by stovt001
I've read multiple sources that the profit margin on gas at the pumps is little to negative. It fluctuates though as once again gas and oil prices are linked, but gas lags by a bit. So it will fluctuate from light loss to light profit. I'll try to find the articles that back up my claims. I understand disbelief until I provide proof. That's fair.
The main sticking point I have with gas station gouging is that since the gas station across the street is selling almost the same gas for far less, it is easily your choice to choose the cheaper stuff. I saw the same thing today. I passed 3 different gas stations that were at least 10 cents more expensive than stations right across the street. I wanted to dope slap the people at the more expensive stations. My definition of gouging disqualifies a situation if there is an equivalent, obvious, and easy alternative. I this case, the gas station across the street counts as such so I say its not gouging, just poor choices. If your definition is different, then agree to disagree.
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Instead of agreeing to disagree.....I will agree to PARTIALLY agree.
Personally, I do not really blame most gas stations for the gouging, at least not enuff to create the record profits, I believe that is coming from the source...the oil producers- who pump it from earth, or do not, if they feel like tightening supply. Anyone notice the POTUS overseas recently? Reportedly asking OPEC to boost production, to which they responded....hmmff. ( not a direct quote)
My '25 cent more' station may not be 'gouging' -just exhibiting poor judgement---but not as poor as the jokers paying for it.
I guess the gouging term is debateable (obviously) .... What is it called when every summer gas prices rise. I know, supply/demand, I know I do not use that much more gas in the summer, it is not like everyone is going on a 1,000 mile trip every week or even every month. I think ( no research ) it is just an excuse to raise prices. Then more oil is used to provide heat in the winter, another reason to raise prices... Well now we do not have to worry about that any more, everyone just says prices are gonna go up.....too bad... deal with it. Some will say it is due to increased demand, I know I use less gas now than before Katrina ($2.00) I ride the moto (60 mpg) to work whenever possible. So it is now China etc causing the increased demand, I do not doubt -increased demand- I do doubt that worldwide demand doubled in 2 years. Again, gas was $2.00 (in Texas) AFTER it peaked (due to Katrina).
I do think we should be drilling in Alaska etc. Alaska is larger than Texas, California, Nevada and 13 Northeastern states all put together and has the population of Fort Worth TX. There is plenty of room to drill, I do not care if 'we' scare a few polar bears, maybe Exxon can use some of their $$$bill$$$ to provide some polar bear chow....
As stovt001 said, nothing wrong with 'them' making profits;
I say it is what they do with the profit that WE should judge them by...Invest in refineries, I buy your gas, invest in $billion $salaries/bonuses for execs....... I will attempt to find gas elsewhere.
The stations I was referring to; 25 cents+, now that gas is 4.09 here, they are only .04 cents more.......? after charging 20-25 more since last summer?? hmm their costs went up less than everyone else??? the chain is Chevron, and it is most of the stations near Reno, Carson City area.
I used to really like Chevron--red white and blue-- and most military (enlisted) have chevrons or are working toward them.