Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Say goodbye to cheap gas... again
Posted By Greg Wilcox on June 10, 2009, 4:40 PM
The brief, awesome time we had of cheap gas is gradually slipping away every day.
If you go to FuelGaugeReport.com, you can see for yourself how the trend has been this past year. During July of last year, gas prices peaked at $4.11 a gallon average for the U.S. The plummet in price that followed that peak led to some areas enjoying $1.45 a gallon.
Well, such a price on gas was destined to be short-lived. In 2009, and especially with the beginning of summer, gas prices has been climbing upward. Yet many experts are confused by the increased price because the demand for gasoline is not high. The current state of the economy and declines in driving have made the inventory of oil pretty well stocked.
Still, the U.S. remains cheaper than most. For example, The Netherlands deals with gas prices at $6.48. Japan is at $4.24. Of course, those countries are smaller and enjoy elaborate public transportation systems that make driving less needed. But on the other end of the spectrum, Egypt's price per gallon of gas is $0.65. Venezuela's is $0.12. Wow. That would be nice.
But this whole fixation with gasoline prices can miss the point that other strategies for transportation should be pursued. The price is sure to get sky high again. Better public transportation to be sure is a good one. But making a collective effort toward integrating green technology (natural gas cars, hybrids, electric cars, etc.) is especially needed. With the recent acquired public holding in GM, hopefully this will happen. After all, I would love to show how much I care about the environment (and *cough* enjoy lower gas prices) by owning a Prius or a Smart Car, but I don't have that kind of cash.
For now, I'll just mourn the steady and inevitable loss of low gas prices.
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