Gasoline.

[Tom Joad]

Originally Posted by whell

So, just so we're clear: you're looking at a short - term weakness in oil prices, spurred in part by what is likely short term policy making by the Saudis and OPEC

Exactly.

They want to sucker a bunch of idiots like you into replacing your current gas guzzling 4X4 V-8 pickups and SUV's with even bigger gas guzzling 4X4 V-8 pickups and SUV's. Then they'll jack the prices back up higher than ever and you'll be stuck.

It'll work too, because there are plenty of stupid people out there like you.

[Wasillaguy]

Originally Posted by merrylander

We simply drive both cars to the station.

We do the same, when it's convenient. The nearest "grocery store" gas station is 12 miles away, and she goes that direction frequently.

[Rajoo]

Originally Posted by whell

So, just so we're clear: you're looking at a short - term weakness in oil prices, spurred in part by what is likely short term policy making by the Saudis and OPEC, as an opportunity to increase taxes. Since its also quite likely that the Saudis are responding to the US's increased oil production
- since that increased production is threatening the Saudi's and OPEC's market share, wouldn't that tax actually help out the Saudi's and whatever OPEC nations that Saudi's can convince to follow their lead?

And isn't is the least bit interesting to you that the US's surge in oil production has caused such a major movement in world oil market prices?

John's post was very specific, "...raise taxes on gasoline and diesel (but not home heating oil)..................".
You have termed it, "........as an opportunity to increase taxes....."

Watch Fox a lot?

[Boreas]

Originally Posted by whell

So, just so we're clear: you're looking at a short - term weakness in oil prices, spurred in part by what is likely short term policy making by the Saudis and OPEC, as an opportunity to increase taxes. Since its also quite likely that the Saudis are responding to the US's increased oil production
- since that increased production is threatening the Saudi's and OPEC's market share, wouldn't that tax actually help out the Saudi's and whatever OPEC nations that Saudi's can convince to follow their lead?

And isn't is the least bit interesting to you that the US's surge in oil production has caused such a major movement in world oil market prices?

The Saudis can raise or lower the price of oil on a whim. They don't need a tax increase here to do it. Also, as should surprise no one, your linked article doesn't support your assertion that the falling price is due to Saudi machinations.

There are many other reasons for the huge and rapid price of oil, not least of which is the effect, in and of itself, of US production on global supply. There's also the fact that Daesh is in control of and operating quite a few oil fields in Iraq and Syria. The oil they're pumping is being dumped on the black market at fire sale prices.

John

[whell]

Originally Posted by Tom Joad

Exactly.

They want to sucker a bunch of idiots like you into replacing your current gas guzzling 4X4 V-8 pickups and SUV's with even bigger gas guzzling 4X4 V-8 pickups and SUV's.

Ah, it's the whole conspiracy theory thing. Got it. And by the way, our mini van with its V-6 doesn't do too badly on gas. But don't let what I drive get in the way of a good rant.

[whell]

Originally Posted by Boreas

The Saudis can raise or lower the price of oil on a whim. They don't need a tax increase here to do it. Also, as should surprise no one, your linked article doesn't support your assertion that the falling price is due to Saudi machinations.

That's not really how they operate, but don't let a lack of understanding stand in your way. It's not like Saudi's / OPEC's objectives are anything new, and unless you've not been paying much attention you shouldn't need me to enlighten you, but maybe you do. Here, this might help:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/...uo5P_blog.html

http://www.businessinsider.com/r-sau...s-mees-2014-12

Originally Posted by Boreas

There are many other reasons for the huge and rapid price of oil, not least of which is the effect, in and of itself, of US production on global supply. There's also the fact that Daesh is in control of and operating quite a few oil fields in Iraq and Syria. The oil they're pumping is being dumped on the black market at fire sale prices.

John

Nothing that the Daesh/ ISIL extremists are doing appear to be impacting long term oil prices. The most commonly cited reason for the oil price drop are summarized here:

Four things are now affecting the picture. Demand is low because of weak economic activity, increased efficiency, and a growing switch away from oil to other fuels. Second, turmoil in Iraq and Libya—two big oil producers with nearly 4m barrels a day combined—has not affected their output. The market is more sanguine about geopolitical risk. Thirdly, America has become the world’s largest oil producer. Though it does not export crude oil, it now imports much less, creating a lot of spare supply. Finally, the Saudis and their Gulf allies have decided not to sacrifice their own market share to restore the price. They could curb production sharply, but the main benefits would go to countries they detest such as Iran and Russia. Saudi Arabia can tolerate lower oil prices quite easily. It has $900 billion in reserves. Its own oil costs very little (around $5-6 per barrel) to get out of the ground.

http://www.economist.com/blogs/econo...ist-explains-4

If you continue to read through the Economist article, you might encounter a rationale that would suggest that slapping a tax on oil might actually help the Saudi's in their efforts to damage the U.S. Oil industry. But I wonder if that really matters to you anyway.

[d-ray657]

I think any taxes collected on fuel should also be allocated to alternative forms of transit - including studies and technology devoted to making mass transit a viable option for more people.

While oil production has definitely increased, we should also not overlook the ever-growing fuel efficiency of our national automobile fleet as a substantial contributor to the dropping oil prices.

Regards,

D-Ray

[Tom Joad]

Originally Posted by d-ray657

I think any taxes collected on fuel should also be allocated to alternative forms of transit - including studies and technology devoted to making mass transit a viable option for more people.

Absolutely.

That's what they do in Europe.

But we would need to jack up taxes to the levels they have there.

Ours are artificially too low. They don't even cover what we need to maintain our current roadway system.

[whell]

My question remains unanswered.

Originally Posted by whell

In previous threads, you've cheered the high price of gasoline. The logic was the high oil and gas prices would act as a catalyst for the alternative energy industry. However, in this thread, some of those same folks appear to be cheering the impact that the recent drop in gas prices have had on their family's budget.

So, which is more important: the short term impact on your family's cash flow or the long tern goal of moving toward alternative energy?

[bobabode]

Originally Posted by whell

My question remains unanswered.

You're a fine one to complain Mike.