conspiracy theories are nice, but... you might want to consider a couple of facts. first, the price you pay at the pump includes tax. state and federal taxes comprise, on average $.38-.40 per gallon. you can look up your state rate here: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/energy/gas_report/pdf/table16.pdf some localities also have taxing jurisdiction and may slap on another $.02-.14/gal. A hidden tax that has come on in the last several years is the requirement for certain areas to use "reformulated" gas. this adds an estimated $.20/gal to the pump price, and it's coming soon to a gas station near you. crude is currently selling at around $35/bbl. this is another $.83/gal, if you could convert it all to gas, that is. the yield is somewhat less, and variable with the quality of crude. unfortunately, your car won't run on crude, and you can't build your own refinery to make your own fuel. you will be dead before you complete the permitting process. so, you are dependent on someone to put up a couple of billion $$$ to build that refinery. surprise, there have been no material additions to US refinery capacity in over 30 years. In fact, the major oil companies that you deride only own a fraction of the working refineries in the US. if it was such a money maker, you'd think they'd be lined up to build refineries, wouldn't you? here's a link that gives a summary of the cost to produce a gallon of gas. keep in mind the example is based on $12/bbl crude (vs. $35/bbl today) http://www.madsci.org/posts/archives/mar99/920693517.Ch.r.html the remaining refineries spend gobs and gobs of money to meet ever-tightening environmental standards. for an anology, think about what would happen if your vintage Buick were not exempt from emissions standards. what would you have to spend to make it comply with the "new car" regulations? as for crude, the US is past its prime as a producer. we import about 65% of our needs, and due to the aforementioned shortfall in refining capacity, an increasing amount of refined products are being imported. Bottom line, we're at the end of a very long food chain and lots of people have their hands in your pockets. crude and product prices are set in the futures market. you want some of that action? fastest way to lose big money short of a casino. thanks for letting me vent, dewey
Rick thats a good idea. lets all move to florida and buy new harley sportsters. only $750 down and $120 a month. then with all the money we saved we can cruise our buicks!
Re: conspiracy theories are nice, but... Here in New York State it's about .65 cents per gallon in the county I live in. We also must have that reformulated crap. The nearest tax free indian reservation is 25 miles away from me. :rant:
