What can I do about the high cost of gas?

Question

This is ridiculas! Why are the Oil Company's allowed to make record profits (2 years in a row)? Can't the Government force them to decrease their percentage of profit in order to curtail gas prices? The cost of Oil, obviously, needs to be regulated. Why isn't it?

Answer 1

You can ride a bicycle.

The goverment can't do anything because oil company executives run the government. (aka Bush/Cheney.

Answer 2

Great answers already and I can add.  Alternative "habits", needs, destinations, etc. can be created.  Carpool, use "public transportation", work from home, determine cost of gas to your work and determine if cost effective, look for employment "closer" to home, attend a school to lessen mileage, and other creative ideas.

We all feel the "crunch".  I can use myself as a "great" example working from home as often as possible.  A successful "real estate agent" I have changed significantly my patterns.  I call clients and schedule appointments from home, I insure potential clients have credit necessary to purchase to eliminate wasted time and gas, I "no longer" show "over priced" homes on the market regardless.

Look at your driving habits.  If you need to go routinely to same location network with others for possible "carpool" options.  Ask what others are doing as well.

I know this maybe "crazy" but I "fill up" between the "full" and "half" marks.  It only makes me feel better on price!

Answer 3

It is not possible to regulate the cost of oil because it is produced by many different countries. The price is established by supply and demand. Also the government cannot prohibit businesses to reduce their profits. We live in a free country. No one forces you to buy gasoline. It is your choice. None of us can control what others do, but we can control what we do. You chose which car to buy knowing how much fuel it consumes. You can ride a bicycle, or a motor scooter, or take the bus. Life is full of choices.