Is increasing gas prices good if it decreases personal automobile usage?

Question

Do you think increasing the gas price is a good idea, if it decreases the amount of driving people do?

If so, why? If not, why not?

Answer 1

Yes, that is one of the benefits.

Answer 2

Gas prices were artificially low, and this is catching up with us now - in the form of the Iraq war as well as the rising prices now that we can't sustain the conditions that let us buy gas so far below the real going rate.

Is this a good thing? Well, think of it this way - we've been hurting a lot of people trying to keep the cost of oil (not just at the pump but as the de facto basis of the US dollar's value). Destructive foreign policy is not the least of this. Both Iraq and Iran did/are contemplating switching their oil markets over to the Euro, which would make our currency instantly much less valuable (it's not a coincidence that the dollar's value has been going down as the price of oil goes up). Many people see this as the major reason for sour relations between these countries.

So, I do see it as a good thing. it is a natural readjustment and it will take a good deal of power away from the US government on the world stage - which it has proven that it is not responsible enough to wield (see Iraq and most of our Middle East policy and in fact most of our abominable foreign policy). I only fear that it will mean more wars and strife at home before the real COST of oil is reflected by its price.

However, as an individual there is a lot you can do to prepare. This means kicking habits like driving everywhere, eating cheap/fast food, and mindless (as opposed to mindful) consumption. Benefits include more independence, better for your health, better for the environment, and a more resilient local economy. Good luck.

Answer 3

If the increase in gas prices were to decrease consumption, then I would agree that an increase has benefits. However, the U.S. mass transit systems are so infantile compared to other systems (ie, Europe), that it is difficult for us to cut consumption. Sure, we may be taking fewer unnecessary drives, but we still need to go to work, the grocery store, school, etc.

Also, I don't think that this gas increase is do to supply issues; rather, I believe that this is the result of speculators making outrageous claims, and investors buying up oil futures to make a quick buck.

Answer 4

yes and no.

Decrease in car use is good. But it is also decrease the people ability to spend for food and travel (visit family).  And it is causing the economy to slow down (less job, etc.)

Just last week, starbuck said that they will close down few stores (lost jobs) and stop development on new stores.  And many locations where they depend on tourist dollars (like Hawaii = 90% tourist economy) they are going to suffer badly.

Good Luck...

Answer 5

No, I don't think the increase is a good idea. The police, for one, has had to stop patrolling as much. Which hurts us all. We still have to go to work and get groceries and the gas prices have driven everything up. People are losing their jobs because companies can't afford to ship products that they make because of the gas prices. It affects more than just joy riders it affects lives. I don't know how much longer we can afford to keep going.

Answer 6

It's a good idea for the environment, not so good for the oil and gas companies, they are in the business of selling fuel so if less people buy gas then less profits for them