Ripped off at the pump ?

[edmscan]

Just wanted to inquire about what you think about the price of gas ? Do you think that the price is fair for what you are getting, or is the price of gas ridiculous and a cash grab by big oil companies ?

Personally .. I think that the 44$ (based on $1.19/litre and 37 litre fill) that it takes to fill up my Yaris is just about as much as I can afford to pay.

I find that a tank takes me about 2 weeks to go though, so it is about 90$ per month for gas. But I just feel lucky that the Yaris gets such good gas mileage as I could be easily paying twice as much with another vehicle.

I am wondering how others feel about the price of gas ?

[b20vteg]

this is how i feel about gas prices:

pre-yaris:

post-yaris:

[nookandcrannycar]

Originally Posted by edmscan

Just wanted to inquire about what you think about the price of gas ? Do you think that the price is fair for what you are getting, or is the price of gas ridiculous and a cash grab by big oil companies ?

Personally .. I think that the 44$ (based on $1.19/litre and 37 litre fill) that it takes to fill up my Yaris is just about as much as I can afford to pay.

I find that a tank takes me about 2 weeks to go though, so it is about 90$ per month for gas. But I just feel lucky that the Yaris gets such good gas mileage as I could be easily paying twice as much with another vehicle.

I am wondering how others feel about the price of gas ?

The price of gas is too high, but I blame the government, not the oil companies. In the US, the percentage of the cost of a gallon of gas that goes to taxes (I'm pretty sure in all 50 states) is a higher percentage than oil company profit percentage. One of the reasons that prices are different in each state for gas is the tax environment. Gas is quite a bit cheaper in New Jersey than it is in New York or Connecticut. I asked a station attendant in New Jersey why this is and he said it is just how each state decides to peg each tax among a basket of taxes----New Jersey has a lower Gas tax than the other Tri-State states, but he said it has a much higher cigarette tax and one other tax (I think it was on alcohol).

President Obama has bragged that oil production is the highest it's been in US history. No thanks to him, thank the oil companies. He has squelched leasing on federal land --- the land he has control over. I think everyone should try to drive cars in our league MPG wise most of the time, but I think people should do it re their own awareness and conscience, and not have it be anything that is influenced by the government.

Oil companies do do some douche bag things, but some protesters are also swimming in their own hypocrisy. I remember a reporter questioning an Occupy Wall Street protester as to why she was using (at that very moment) a MacBook Pro if she is so against corporations and profits. The lady kept tripping over her words and didn't even have the moxie to fake a semi-intelligent response. A cogent response would be impossible, as there isn't one. In addition. Apple's profit margin is 3-4 times that of a lot of oil companies. Why isn't she protesting that Apple should move their manufacturing base back to the US. Oh wait, Apple is cool and oil companies are not.

Wow.You are paying the equivalent of $5.19 USD per US gallon. I paid $3.49 yesterday. I feel rven worse for people in Europe...paying so much more.

[david_827]

Originally Posted by nookandcrannycar

The price of gas is too high, but I blame the government, not the oil companies. In the US, the percentage of the cost of a gallon of gas that goes to taxes (I'm pretty sure in all 50 states) is a higher percentage than oil company profit percentage. One of the reasons that prices are different in each state for gas is the tax environment. Gas is quite a bit cheaper in New Jersey than it is in New York or Connecticut. I asked a station attendant in New Jersey why this is and he said it is just how each state decides to peg each tax among a basket of taxes----New Jersey has a lower Gas tax than the other Tri-State states, but he said it has a much higher cigarette tax and one other tax (I think it was on alcohol).

President Obama has bragged that oil production is the highest it's been in US history. No thanks to him, thank the oil companies. He has squelched leasing on federal land --- the land he has control over. I think everyone should try to drive cars in our league MPG wise most of the time, but I think people should do it re their own awareness and conscience, and not have it be anything that is influenced by the government.

Oil companies do do some douche bag things, but some protesters are also swimming in their own hypocrisy. I remember a reporter questioning an Occupy Wall Street protester as to why she was using (at that very moment) a MacBook Pro if she is so against corporations and profits. The lady kept tripping over her words and didn't even have the moxie to fake a semi-intelligent response. A cogent response would be impossible, as there isn't one. In addition. Apple's profit margin is 3-4 times that of a lot of oil companies. Why isn't she protesting that Apple should move their manufacturing base back to the US. Oh wait, Apple is cool and oil companies are not.

Wow.You are paying the equivalent of $5.19 USD per US gallon. I paid $3.49 yesterday. I feel rven worse for people in Europe...paying so much more.

i agree with you to an extent, i believe consumer demand can play more of a role on the price of gas. hence why prices tend to rise in summer as more people are on the road taking more trips. i'm not a hypermiler by any means, but i feel if people slowed down a bit and stopped driving like assholes our demand for gas will drop and thus so will the price. Its just a theory for me at this time that im basing on anecdotal evidence.

[nookandcrannycar]

Originally Posted by david_827

i agree with you to an extent, i believe consumer demand can play more of a role on the price of gas. hence why prices tend to rise in summer as more people are on the road taking more trips. i'm not a hypermiler by any means, but i feel if people slowed down a bit and stopped driving like assholes our demand for gas will drop and thus so will the price. Its just a theory for me at this time that im basing on anecdotal evidence.

I agree. I might have been reading something into edmscan's post that wasn't there but I assumed he was already assuming the consumer demand part of the equation. You're assertion may be anecdotal evidence rather than a scientific analysis, but it's just about the strongest anecdotal evidence I can think of -- the collapse of gas prices in the US in late 2008 into 2009.

[nookandcrannycar]

^^^^^ I also think 'too high' is a relative term as even when gas prices were low in 2008 some state government's gas taxes were still too high (namely California) and feeding a bloated and inefficient state government.

[edmscan]

Originally Posted by nookandcrannycar

Wow.You are paying the equivalent of $5.19 USD per US gallon.

There is 3.785 litres per US gallon and at 1.19 per litre, that makes it $4.50 per US Gallon, and we here in Edmonton have the cheapest gas in Canada. The highest (as of yesterday) is in Montreal area where they are paying $5.79 per US Gallon. The Canadian dollar is just above par right now .. but really nothing to write home about.

I do agree that Europe is getting screwed, but I haven't been there for many years, so I really don't know how much they are paying. All I know is that you don't see many non-econo box cars over there.

[nookandcrannycar]

Originally Posted by edmscan

There is 3.785 litres per US gallon and at 1.19 per litre, that makes it $4.50 per US Gallon, and we here in Edmonton have the cheapest gas in Canada. The highest (as of yesterday) is in Montreal area where they are paying $5.79 per US Gallon. The Canadian dollar is just above par right now .. but really nothing to write home about.

I do agree that Europe is getting screwed, but I haven't been there for many years, so I really don't know how much they are paying. All I know is that you don't see many non-econo box cars over there.

You're right. I accidently plugged in 3.875 x 1.19 into my calculator, rather than 3.785. I took the total I got and plugged it into a CAD to USD converter on the intedrnet. My bad for accidentally enterin g the wrong amount. If the number is still off, I'm glad I don't remember which site I visited to use the currency converter!

[DevilGirl]

Originally Posted by edmscan

Just wanted to inquire about what you think about the price of gas ? Do you think that the price is fair for what you are getting, or is the price of gas ridiculous and a cash grab by big oil companies ?

Personally .. I think that the 44$ (based on $1.19/litre and 37 litre fill) that it takes to fill up my Yaris is just about as much as I can afford to pay.

I find that a tank takes me about 2 weeks to go though, so it is about 90$ per month for gas. But I just feel lucky that the Yaris gets such good gas mileage as I could be easily paying twice as much with another vehicle.

I am wondering how others feel about the price of gas ?

I would LOVE to be paying only $90 a month for gas... My tank of gas will last only about 3 days of commuting to work (3.5 if I decide to push it).

[nookandcrannycar]

Originally Posted by DevilGirl

I would LOVE to be paying only $90 a month for gas... My tank of gas will last only about 3 days of commuting to work (3.5 if I decide to push it).

At least you don't have to get gas in New York or Connecticut. I have occasionally waited until crossing the border into PA to get gas.....not wanting to pay NY or CT prices and not wanting to deal with the 'unlawful to pump your own gas' scenario in NJ (which, as much as I love New Jersey, drives me nuts).

[edmscan]

Originally Posted by DevilGirl

I would LOVE to be paying only $90 a month for gas... My tank of gas will last only about 3 days of commuting to work (3.5 if I decide to push it).

That is one thing I have noticed from YW, the commutes for many people in the US is very far. The most you would see in the city I live in is about 40 KM (24 miles) and that would be going from one edge of the city to the other edge.

Realistically that wouldn't happen anyways as we have a ring road that goes around the city which would cut down the mileage substantially.

I think I would really hate such a long commute .. but that's just me.

[DevilGirl]

Originally Posted by edmscan

That is one thing I have noticed from YW, the commutes for many people in the US is very far. The most you would see in the city I live in is about 40 KM (24 miles) and that would be going from one edge of the city to the other edge.

Realistically that wouldn't happen anyways as we have a ring road that goes around the city which would cut down the mileage substantially.

I think I would really hate such a long commute .. but that's just me.

Havn't been to Canada in years, and I honestly don't remember much of it from that one visit, but I know in my area, depending on what you do for a living, there may not be a job locally for you (especially in this economy).

So why not move to where the job is? That would mean I'd have to live in a very large city (such as Philadelphia, where I work). Some people are just not cut out for city living (I know I'm not. I actually like trees and grass and nature).

So move closer to, but not inside the city? The cost of housing is actually a lot higher just outside the city. Yes there would be nature, but there was also be a high cost to live there.

I have found it is actually cheaper for me to live farther away from work (75mile drive) and commute than to live closer to the job.

Originally Posted by nookandcrannycar

At least you don't have to get gas in New York or Connecticut. I have occasionally waited until crossing the border into PA to get gas.....not wanting to pay NY or CT prices and not wanting to deal with the 'unlawful to pump your own gas' scenario in NJ (which, as much as I love New Jersey, drives me nuts).

This is true. Jersey does have lower prices (which I really like), but they insist upon pumping the gas for you. So it always screws up my numbers since I always stop at the first click, and, in my experience, they always push it to just before overflowing.

As for NY or CT prices, I'll avoid those at all costs as well. I have family still living on the east end of Long Island (the extreme end). Thankfully I can make it there and back on 1 tank of gas (depending on traffic through NYC). Their prices out where my family is, is a consistant $1 to $1.50 higher than here at home.

[bronsin]

Originally Posted by DevilGirl

This is true. Jersey does have lower prices (which I really like), but they insist upon pumping the gas for you. So it always screws up my numbers since I always stop at the first click, and, in my experience, they always push it to just before overflowing.

I live in NJ and feel your "cant pump my own gas here pain".

I tell the attendent "Fill it and the dealer says not to fill it past the first click. I have a credit card."

That works for me.

If I had the option of buying gas where its cheaper than where I live thats what I would do.

If everyone who lives in NY CT etc bought gas in NJ (where its cheaper) NY and CT would have to charge what NJ does.

[nookandcrannycar]

Originally Posted by bronsin

I live in NJ and feel your "cant pump my own gas here pain".

I tell the attendent "Fill it and the dealer says not to fill it past the first click. I have a credit card."

That works for me.

If I had the option of buying gas where its cheaper than where I live thats what I would do.

If everyone who lives in NY CT etc bought gas in NJ (where its cheaper) NY and CT would have to charge what NJ does.

Geographically, it would only make sense for people in Rockland County, NY (Suffern, The Nyacks, Spring Valley, etc). People in Westchester County and people in CT would have to pay the toll on the Tappan Zee and that would negate much of the savings. In your area, I don't know how that would work as I've never purchased gas in Delaware or Philly....but I imagine that New Jersey has the cheapest gas in the NE section of the U.S.

[nookandcrannycar]

Originally Posted by DevilGirl

Havn't been to Canada in years, and I honestly don't remember much of it from that one visit, but I know in my area, depending on what you do for a living, there may not be a job locally for you (especially in this economy).

So why not move to where the job is? That would mean I'd have to live in a very large city (such as Philadelphia, where I work). Some people are just not cut out for city living (I know I'm not. I actually like trees and grass and nature).

So move closer to, but not inside the city? The cost of housing is actually a lot higher just outside the city. Yes there would be nature, but there was also be a high cost to live there.

I have found it is actually cheaper for me to live farther away from work (75mile drive) and commute than to live closer to the job.




This is true. Jersey does have lower prices (which I really like), but they insist upon pumping the gas for you. So it always screws up my numbers since I always stop at the first click, and, in my experience, they always push it to just before overflowing.

As for NY or CT prices, I'll avoid those at all costs as well. I have family still living on the east end of Long Island (the extreme end). Thankfully I can make it there and back on 1 tank of gas (depending on traffic through NYC). Their prices out where my family is, is a consistant $1 to $1.50 higher than here at home.

Great info re gas prices at the east end of Long Island! (Avoid!) I'm planning to include North Fork and Montauk on my upcoming trip. I once asked someone in Oregon why the no pump law was enacted in the first place. He said the state feared that the unemployment rate would increase to a higher than desired level if they didn't enact the law. IMHO the no pump law is one of the dumbest laws enacted within any state and only New Jersey and Oregon have seen fit to codify this policy into law.

IMO, the area where you live is seeing growth because other logical people are coming to the same conclusion you did.

[goliath1812]

I honestly don't think anything will drop the prices of gas to what I think they should be. The oil companies are raking in billions, the government wants all the taxes they can get...it seems like nothing is going to stop it. Even if we as a country came together to lessen the demand of gas, I'm confident the government will raise the fuel taxes to make up for lost comsumption. Either way, that means higher prices. Oil companies are never satisfied with record breaking profits year after year, they always want more and more. I'm waiting for the day that brings us an EV with a quick charge option AND an extended driving time per charge. Even then, the cost of electricity will just raise. I'm not sure that day will be any time in the near future anyway.

[nookandcrannycar]

Originally Posted by goliath1812

I honestly don't think anything will drop the prices of gas to what I think they should be. The oil companies are raking in billions, the government wants all the taxes they can get...it seems like nothing is going to stop it. Even if we as a country came together to lessen the demand of gas, I'm confident the government will raise the fuel taxes to make up for lost comsumption. Either way, that means higher prices. Oil companies are never satisfied with record breaking profits year after year, they always want more and more. I'm waiting for the day that brings us an EV with a quick charge option AND an extended driving time per charge. Even then, the cost of electricity will just raise. I'm not sure that day will be any time in the near future anyway.

Oil companies might be making record profits in total dollar amount, but their profit margin isn't outrageous (only 7-11 percent),,,Apple's profit margin is over 30 percent---Why aren't people outraged about that?

I don't think either is outrageous, I'm just playing devil's advocate. People aren't outraged re Apple because it is cool and it is a want. People need gas and they don't like when they are paying more than they think is right for it. Gas prices are also subject to the price of oil in the commodities markets. Oil companies have a hand in this arena, but aren't the only players.

[bronsin]

Its not so much the price of gas. Its the people who drive cars and trucks that get ~20 mpg that I cant believe.

Foreign governments, the oil companies, and our government have put a gun to our heads and the publics response is

Go ahead blow my brains out!