Prices up, consumption down--market economics working for gasoline consumers?

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Don't Panic

Someone should write "A Hitchiker's Guide to the Fake Oil Crisis."

American's are freaking out because we cannot drive our monster SUV's from the distant suburbs each day to work. Two SUV families where mom and dad each take one over 30 miles a day aren't that uncommon. By buying out in the burbs they were betting on cheap energy for the moderate future. It was a foolish bet and it's not up to the government to bail you out of it.

"NOTHING DOING IN U.S. SENATE"

American's Rejoice! Both Obama and McCain are spouting off nonsense ideas about how to force the government or the oil companies to make our SUVs and 3000sqft suburban mcmansions affordable again. This is nothing but more bailout-speak. The market will handle this on its own and far more efficiently than any government body can. I do support the removal of subsidies to the oil companies as they also skew the market.

As consumers, you should make the best choices you can right now. Assume oil and energies dependent on it like electricity will go up at least 20% more in the next few years. How can you start changing now to be ready for it? Maybe trade in your SUV for a flex-fuel vehicle that gets better than 30MPG? How about consider a nice 1500sqft home closer to your job? Not only will save on gas, you'll save on heating, cooling, and lights. If your area has rebates for solar power, do the math and see if it will lock in some or all of your energy use at current market rates. Plant deciduous trees on the sunny side of your home. Fruit trees will even shrink your food bill.

Nothing our government does will lower the price of fuel significantly worldwide--which is what it would have to do to have any affect here. Government power is great for helping emerging markets like solar, bio-fuels, and hydrogen; it's terrible for manipulating global commodity markets.

Gas prices are still lower than they were in the 70s (adjust for inflation). Take a deep breath. Don't Panic.

Posted by: shawn_dude   Posted on: 06/11/08 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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