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Survey: Gas Prices Fall Nearly 53 Cents in Two Weeks

CitizenSugar — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 12:07:36 -0700

Survey: Gas Prices Fall Nearly 53 Cents in Two Weeks A national survey shows gas prices continue to decline, tumbling nearly 53 cents a gallon in the last two weeks. The average price of a gallon of regular gasoline at self-serve stations was $2.78 Friday. Midgrade was at $2.93 and premium was at $3.05.

Is Google Searching For Public Policy Answers?

LibertySugar — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 12:15:55 -0700

Google wants to get the US economy running on clean energy. This week Google's nonprofit announced a plan to cut the use of fossil fuels in the US before 2030. For $4.4 trillion "Clean Energy 2030" would help end the use of coal and oil to generate electricity. The plan would allow for the use of natural gas and nuclear power, and also calls for cutting oil use in cars by 40 percent. By 2030, however, the net savings would top $1 trillion.

Google's climate and energy technology manager explained the company's motivation:

We can build whole new industries and create millions of new jobs. We can cut energy costs, both at the gas pump and at home. We can improve our national security. And we can put a big dent in climate change. With strong leadership we could be moving forward on an aggressive but realistic timeline and an approach that offsets costs with real economic gains.

Google asserts that the US will have to invest in renewable energy research, upgrade the electricity grid, impose better mileage standards, and build infrastructure such as charging stations for electric vehicles. Should Americans turn to the private sector for leadership on a public issue?

The South Needs Some Serious Gas Relief After Hurricanes

LibertySugar — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 11:00:00 -0700

Fallout from Hurricane Ike and Gustav has spiraled into massive gas shortages in the Southeast. Drivers in Nashville, TN, where the problem is the worst, wait in long lines and some follow tankers around in hopes of being the first to fill up before a station goes dry.

In western North Carolina local governments have been forced to cancel programs, since there's not much gas to travel to activities. One city canceled athletic events, and another county has limited all municipal travel to emergency vehicles for the past few weeks. Many workers in the region have been told to work four 10-hour days, or telecommute.

In Atlanta, one of the nation's largest commuter cities, many stations have run out of gas, and they have no idea when more will come. Once residents find a station with fuel, they often must dole out $5 a gallon, and wait in 40-car lines. What would you do if your city ran out of gas?

Source

A Car That Gets 65 Miles Per Gallon?! Not in the US

LibertySugar — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 11:00:10 -0700

Picture this: a brand-new, five-seat compact car, complete with a navigation system, gas mileage up to 65 miles per gallon, and a $1,300 tax deduction with purchase. Are you ready to buy? Well you'll have to move to Europe first!

High oil prices mean that Americans are hungry for more gas-efficient cars. But, the new Ford ECOnetic Fiesta,, which runs on diesel, will not be offered to the American driver. To find out why diesel is a deal breaker,

Chicago Gas Prices Dropping, Could Fall To $3

CitizenSugar — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 15:35:08 -0700

Chicago Gas Prices Dropping, Could Fall to $3 Gasoline prices, which have declined steadily for more than a month in Chicago and nationally are expected to continue dropping this Labor Day weekend, and could fall to near $3 a gallon before the end of the year, unless Hurricane Gustav decides to rain on the consumer party.

Are Gas Prices the Real Reason For the Housing Crisis?

CitizenSugar — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 15:45:17 -0700

I'm already a fan of Scotty Iseri's politically-charged pop music — but when he puts together a Morgan Spurlock-esque explanation about how the housing crisis isn't really due so much to "predatory lending" and "reckless borrowing" but the cost of getting out to those McMansions my interest was piqued. Scotty's piece studies Buffalo Grove, outside of Chicago, IL, where residents spend almost a quarter of their income on transportation cost, and nothing is accessible without getting behind a wheel. Showing how Buffalo Grove's houses have declined 8 percent in value, while Chicago — where it's possible to live close to everything you need without getting in a car has seen housing prices go up almost 10 percent, makes a lot of sense. Similar trends are happening in Portland, Pittsburgh, and Los Angeles, where the draw of houses far away pales in comparison to that ubiquitous "pain at the pump." What do you think? Is gas the real grinch?

Are Gas Prices the Real Reason For the Housing Crisis?

Yes! Real estate is location, location, location. Gas makes that decision for people.

It's part of it, but not the whole picture. The mortgage industry has dirty hands, too.

No. Gas is coming down, and people will grasp at straws to blame for their mistakes.

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

Price of Fuel: Mexico Fines US Drivers Seeking Cheap Diesel

CitizenSugar — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 12:50:52 -0700

Price of Fine Fuel: Mexico Fines US Drivers Seeking Cheap Diesel One Mexican border city has begun fining US drivers who cross the border to fill extra drums, tanks or barrels with government-subsidized Mexican fuel. The city of Ciudad Acuna, across the border from Del Rio, Texas, said Friday that it fined four US residents for carrying extra diesel and would impound their cars until they pay. The fines equal 70 percent of the value of the diesel confiscated. US drivers can fill up their own vehicles, but carrying extra fuel containers back across the border violates customs regulations.

Where I'm Clicking Now: Fuelly — Compare Gas Mileage

CitizenSugar — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 10:00:15 -0700

In the ultimate combination of the "everyone knows where I am-ness" of Twitter and everyone's favorite topics, gas prices and fuel economy, Fuelly has just launched to help you manage the ins and outs of your gas tank.

The streamlined application lets you create an account and track how much you're spending on gas, how good your m.p.g. rating is — and compare yourself with other users. The site works a trick on an iPhone, letting you track right from the pump, and it has handy tips to conserve fuel without changing much at all. Like if you're idling for more than 10 seconds (ahem, drive-thru), it's better to park and hit the counter.

Fuelly might just be the next best way to keep up with the Joneses and keep track of your Benjamins.

Source

Obama Shifts, Says He May Back Offshore Drilling

CitizenSugar — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 10:50:46 -0700

Real Slick? Obama Shifts, Says He May Back Offshore Drilling Barack Obama said Friday he would be willing to support limited additional offshore oil drilling if that's what it takes to enact a comprehensive policy to foster fuel-efficient autos and develop alternate energy sources. Shifting from his previous opposition to expanded offshore drilling, the Illinois senator told a Florida newspaper he could get behind a compromise with Republicans and oil companies to prevent gridlock over energy.

States Struggling: Budget Crises Lead to Desperate Measures

CitizenSugar — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 08:01:09 -0700

If you thought your wallet was feeling light, it's not just you — states are feeling the budget crunch just as hard — with unique ways to manage the money meltdown.

In California, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has just threatened to pay state employees federal minimum wage in an effort to push lawmakers to agree on a budget. Even though minimum wage hikes up today, it would still mean thousands of workers would only take home $6.55 an hour (which is still $1.45 an hour less than CA's minimum wage.)

The budget stall comes as Republicans and Democrats battle to bridge the $15.2 billion budget shortfall California is facing. Republicans want to deal with money crisis through cuts, Democrats are angling for more taxes. Schwarzenegger says he won't sign a budget unless it contains improvements like a rainy day fund to help the state through tough times. Hmm. Just like we're supposed to have at home!

Also in the category of, "Governments! They're just like us!" Gas! Though consumers have been concerned about the price of fuel for months, state budgets — especially for driving heavy departments, like the police — are way overdrawn on fuel bills. To see how cops have to carpool,

Top Five Cheapest States to Fill Up Your Gas Tank. . . .

CitizenSugar — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:45:49 -0700

This I didn't know: Alaska has the highest gas prices in the US? Wow. The average up there in Klondike country is $4.63. California follows pretty closely at $4.50, and Hawaii, Connecticut, and Washington round out the top five.

So where should you be heading to fill up? Missouri is the cheapest at $3.86 (aw! Remember $3 gas! I made a scrapbook of it!) helped along by their record-low gas tax. Oklahoma, South Carolina, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Iowa round out the cheapest five states to fill up. So now that gas stations are having to use up a whole bunch more "4"s to fill their prices signs, where in the world will they get them all?

Can you guess who had this explanation for it? "I know what you're thinking. The fours have probably been replaced by illegal Mexican quatros." To find out,

55 Miles Per Hour! Should the Nation Slow Down?

LibertySugar — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 10:00:05 -0700

US Congresswoman Jackie Speier (D-CA) wants the nation to slooooow down. The representative, channeling Richard Nixon, has proposed a national speed limit of 55 miles per hour.In 1974, Nixon ushered in a fuel-conservation policy unseen since World War II. The new law covered the nation with a federal speed limit (up to that point, states had set their own limits) and cut off federal funding to states that wouldn't comply. Nixon's act was repealed by Congress in 1995. Now back in similar oil-straits like the country saw in the 70s, slowing down to conserve may be back in fashion. Here are some of the highs and lows of slowing down:

The Pros: Leads to safer driving, saving lives. Saves money, since each five miles over 60 mph costs 30 cents more per gallon. Decreases dependence on oil producing countries.

The Cons: Could result in more traffic, slower commutes. There is a possibility for more speeding tickets. Insurance rates could go up, as a result of tickets.

Even though Sammy Hagar can't drive 55, is this a good idea?Source

55 Miles Per Hour! Should the Nation Slow Down?

Yay! Saves gas, lives, money, seems like a no-brainer!

Nay. Let's focus on fuel economy in cars, since I have places to go, people to see!

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

Bush to Lift Executive Ban on Offshore Drilling

CitizenSugar — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 09:50:14 -0700

Bush to Lift Executive Ban on Offshore Drilling
In another push to deal with soaring gas prices, President Bush on Monday will lift an executive ban on offshore drilling that has stood since his father was president. But the move, by itself, will do nothing unless Congress acts as well. The president plans to officially lift the ban and then explain his actions in a Rose Garden statement, White House press secretary Dana Perino said.

T. Boone Pickens Is Going to Save the Economy With Hot Air

CitizenSugar — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 12:15:44 -0700

I'm saying it right now: T. Boone Pickens for president. The former oil-man-billionaire-turned-wind-power revolutionary is suddenly everywhere and it's like a breath of fresh air. Pickens of his eponymous Pickens Plan is building the world's largest wind farm. His website, which launched today, is determined to shock the US into becoming the Saudi Arabia of wind.

The hemorrhaging of $700 billion dollars a year, an increase of about 50 percent more reliance on foreign imports since the 1970s, is ruining our country. Pickens says, "I've been an oil man my whole life, but this is one emergency we can't drill our way out of."

To see a consciousness-rocking explanation of the Pickens Plan by T. Boone himself (oh, and also changing my name to T. Boone)

Front Page: G-8 on Energy, Climate, and Africa, Women Bishops Allowed, Free Gas For Life

CitizenSugar — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 06:56:55 -0700

G-8 on Energy, Climate, and Africa:
Amid protests, the leaders of the G-8 economic powers acknowledged today that rising food and oil prices will affect world growth, but they're optimistic that the global economy will snap back. Calling on petroleum suppliers to boost production, they expressed their "strong concern" over commodity prices. Then the G-8 confirmed a goal to cut global greenhouse gases by 50 percent by 2050, with additional goals for developing countries. Divisions came during a meeting with African leaders over the situation in Zimbabwe, with the US and Britain proposing an arms embargo and the African leaders promoting a power-sharing agreement.

Women Bishops Allowed:
The governing body of the Anglican Church in Britain voted yesterday to approve the appointment of women as bishops in the church. It's a step that could risk a schism in the church while still battling the most serious threat to its unity over allowing gay clergy members. The vote in favor of women came 16 years after similar debate to approve the ordination of women as ministers within the British church.
Free Gas For Life:
The Florida Lottery has instituted an attractive second place prize in response to climbing oil prices — free gas for life. Players consider the prize more attractive than the cash grand prize. With the average price over $4 a gallon, one Floridian said we've hit a tipping point where, "gas has become more precious than cash now."

Anger Management Gas Station

CitizenSugar — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 15:40:55 -0700

Anger Management Gas Station
When it comes to gas prices, Tanforan Shell gas station in San Bruno, CA, owner Bobak Bakhtiari feels your pain. So he installed a dunk tank to let his customers vent their frustration on a man dressed in Shell uniform! The owner of the station says, "Well it’s been going well with anybody just walking up to the station and doing it. They each get three tosses. If that doesn’t help, we also offer an express rant, where if they can creatively rant about gas prices they can receive a free express car wash."

Front Page: Election Riot in Mongolia, Bulldozer Attack, India's Truck Drivers Strike

CitizenSugar — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 06:56:28 -0700

Election Riot in Mongolia:
In Mongolia's capital, protesters rioted over alleged election fraud destroying the ruling party's headquarters, dampening hopes for a stable government, and resulting in five deaths. President Nambariin Enkhbayar declared a four-day state of emergency late last night after the fire was set at the headquarters. The emergency announcement is the first in Mongolia's history, and allows security forces to use tear gas and rubber bullets to break up demonstrations. About 220 civilians and 108 servicemen have been injured in the clashes, with another 700 protesters detained.

Bulldozer Attack:
A Palestinian smashed a bulldozer into a bus and several cars this morning in Jerusalem, killing three people before being killed himself. The rampage left dozens injured in the city center before a police officer engaged the driver, struggling with him in the cab of the vehicle, and shooting him dead. One witness said of the attack, "I saw [the bulldozer driver] crashing cars and going into the bus... He wanted to kill as many as he could."
India's Truck Drivers Strike:
India's truck drivers are striking, keeping nearly four million trucks off the roads to protest against rising fuel costs. The Indian government has cut subsidies due to rising global prices of crude oil and passed the increase on to drivers. Oil prices have risen by 40 percent since the beginning of the year. The strike is likely to push up the prices of food and other necessities. One trucker said, "we are already running under huge losses. The cost of diesel is so high that we have nothing left to live on."

Source

How to Help Meal Delivery Programs Hit by Food, Fuel Costs

CitizenSugar — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:30:23 -0700

It's easy to see the economic toll on food and fuel in our own everyday lives — but the effect is trickling down past commuters and bargain shoppers to silver citizens who rely on meal delivery programs to survive. Advocates for the elderly nationwide are concerned that many seniors are going or will go hungry soon — and blame the 20 percent increase in fuel and food prices over the past year, as well as leveling or reduced government subsidies and a failing economy.

According to the Meals on Wheels Association of America, nearly 60 percent of the 5,000 programs have lost volunteers, most of whom say they can no longer afford gas. This has resulted in the elimination or consolidation of entire routes and nearly 38 percent are now serving frozen instead of hot meals. Another 30 percent are reducing personal visits from five to one day per week. To see how some states are fighting back, and what you can do to help,

North Dakota Oil Creating 'Overnight Millionaires'

CitizenSugar — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 12:10:44 -0700

North Dakota Oil Creating 'Overnight Millionaires'
In less than a year, Stohler and his wife, Lorene, 82, have become millionaires from the production of one well on their land. The US Geological Survey calls it the largest continuous oil accumulation it has ever assessed. Landowners in western North Dakota have a much better chance of striking it rich from oil than they do playing the lottery, say the Stohlers. Some of their neighbors have become "overnight millionaires" from oil royalty payments. "It's the easiest money we've ever made," said Lorene Stohler.

9 out of 10 Agree: To Save Gas, No Left Turns Into Brothels

CitizenSugar — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 10:00:21 -0700

Well, it's more unanimous than Trident gum: Nine out of 10 people are expecting gas prices to gut them financially in the next six months according to an Associated Press-Yahoo News poll out yesterday.

The poll has tracked the same 2,000 people since last fall to follow how their opinions have changed throughout the campaign. The latest data shows the price of gasoline has equalled or triumphed every other issue and it has become more than a politcal topic, but a real-life problem. I'm sure you don't need me (or the AP) to tell you: gas sucks.

But! I can tell you wacky ways people are saving the gas! It involves avoiding left turns and hookers! I know! To see what I'm talking about,

Fighting the New American Revolution — Energy Independence

CitizenSugar — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 03:00:26 -0700

The US is gearing up to celebrate Independence Day, the day when citizens vowed to fight against crushing taxes, inflation, and a rising price of necessities — Americans took a stand then against tyranny, and fought. Now as the country picnics and watches fireworks to commemorate that fight, is the situation any different?

Taxes, inflation, cost of necessities — what was once tea, is now Texas Tea — oil, all factors point to another fight. Is energy the new American Revolution? In this new battle for independence, are citizens willing to sacrifice to win freedom from the tyrannous and costly addiction we have to standard forms of energy?

John McCain's plan for a modern energy revolution takes that parallel seriously — he's dubbed his energy revolution the "Lexington Project," named for the town where, according to his speech last week, "Americans asserted their independence once before." To see the battle plan for energy independence,

US Military Fuel Costs Set To Soar

CitizenSugar — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 09:55:10 -0700

US Military Fuel Costs Set To Soar
Consumers at the gas pump aren't the only ones suffering sticker shock. Military units in Iraq and elsewhere will see another hike in fuel costs next week, the second increase this budget year because of soaring oil prices. On July 1, the cost for refined fuel used by troops will jump from $127.68 a barrel to $170.94 — an astounding 34 percent increase in just six months and more than double what the Pentagon was paying three years ago.

German Man Torches Car to Protest High Gas Prices

CitizenSugar — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 09:55:32 -0700

German Man Torches Car to Protest High Gas Prices
A German man doused his BMW with gasoline and torched it on Friday in protest at skyrocketing fuel costs, police said. The unemployed 30-year-old man drove the black 1995 BMW 3-series sedan onto the lawn outside Frankfurt's convention center grounds at about 7:30 a.m., police spokesman Karlheinz Wagner said. He then jumped out, emptied a canister of gas over the vehicle, and set fire to it, Wagner said. By the time the fire department got to the scene, the car was entirely burned out.

Sadie and Pyper Vance, Ages 9 And 7, Protest Gas Prices After Losing Cable TV

CitizenSugar — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 10:55:54 -0700

Sadie and Pyper Vance, Ages 9 And 7, Protest Gas Prices After Losing Cable TV: Cable TV was one of the family's budget-cutting casualties, leaving Sadie, 9, and her 7-year-old sister without their favorite cartoons and shows. "Gas prices are too high," Sadie said. "I just decided to come and protest so they'd go down." The girls marched through downtown Monday chanting and carrying signs. "All of my mom's money goes to the gas tank!" Pyper's sign read. Sadie carried a sign asking drivers to honk to lower gas prices — adding that her mom had to cut "cabel."

You Drive Me Crazy? McCain's Car Prize and Obama's Ethanol

CitizenSugar — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 11:00:32 -0700

John McCain is putting money where his energy mouth is: he's just announced he's proposing a $300 million government prize for the successful development of a car battery that far surpasses existing technology. The prize haul is equal to $1 for every man, woman, and child in the country, which he says is "a small price to pay for helping to break the back of our oil dependency."

If you're thinking about entering, the winning device should deliver power at 30 percent of current costs and have "the size, capacity, cost, and power to leapfrog the commercially available plug-in hybrids or electric cars." Looking toward rewarding success in finding eco-autos, he's also promoting a Clean Car Challenge that will give US automakers with a $5,000 tax credit for every zero-carbon emissions car they develop and sell.

McCain says of the prize, "In the quest for alternatives to oil, our government has thrown around enough money subsidizing special interests and excusing failure. From now on, we will encourage heroic efforts in engineering, and we will reward the greatest success."

Get out of my dreams, get into my car? Perhaps.

Who's driving Barack Obama's "Pink Cadillac?" To find out,

Americans Drive Much, Much Less — and Roads Are Suffering

CitizenSugar — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 15:45:38 -0700

Well, you know what they say, you can't win for losing. "They" would be my mom, and I just realized that doesn't actually make sense. But! In the world of gas, doing good is coming back to haunt us. The steep gas prices and/or environmental concern led to 1.4 billion fewer highway miles driven by Americans in April this year than the same time last year, so says the Department of Transportation.

It's the sixth consecutive monthly drop in miles driven and is more than three times larger than the drop from March 2007 to March of this year, which was 400 million fewer highway miles. Yay for us conserving and all that, right? Not if you want nice roads and no traffic when you do drive. Less driving = less gas purchased = fewer taxes on gasoline, which go to fund the federal Highway Trust Fund that gets 18.4 cents per gallon from gasoline, and is used to improve the roads. Sigh. To see tiny cars come out of a vending machine,

Mysterious Duo Hands Out Cash At Gas Pump

CitizenSugar — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 10:55:59 -0700

Mysterious Duo Hands Out Cash At Gas Pump
Two mysterious strangers calling themselves "The Gas Men" showed up at the Citgo on New Britain Avenue. The duo, wearing sunglasses, baseball caps, khakis and matching green golf shirts, approached a woman and handed over a $100 bill. They also passed along a card that read "Re-Fueling Our Community," signed "The Gas Men."

Front Page: Baghdad Blast Kills 51, Operation Launched Against Taliban, Bush and Offshore Drilling

CitizenSugar — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 07:00:30 -0700

Baghdad Blast Kills 51: An enormous car bombing shattered part of a busy marketplace and set a crowded apartment building alight in a heavily Shiite district of Baghdad yesterday, killing at least 51 people and wounding 75. As the blast occurred in the midst of a neighborhood where Sunnis had been savagely driven out, some of locals blamed the displaced Sunnis for the attack. The bombing was the deadliest attack in 3 months. One man whose wife and child were killed in the blast sceamed, “now the Americans are bringing outsiders to secure our neighborhood, and look what happened! Maybe we should bring back the old days.”

Operation Launched Against Taliban: NATO and Afghan forces begun a joint operation to drive Taliban insurgents from the outskirts of the city of Kandahar. Amid conflicting reports of casualties, troops backed by helicopter gunships are patrolling west of the Arghandab river, revealing "no major incidents so far". One resident says of the patrols, "most of the roads have been closed, there are check posts everywhere, planes are flying and military convoys belonging to the Afghan and foreign forces are patrolling the city." Last Friday about 350 Taliban fighters escaped with a total of 1,200 inmates from a jail in Kandahar. Only a handful of prisoners have been recaptured.
Bush and Offshore Drilling: President Bush will call on Congress today to reverse a long standing federal ban on offshore oil drilling. Bush wants to work with states to determine where drilling should occur. The move demonstrates how $4-a-gallon gas will be a major issue in the 2008 presidential campaign, and a growing number of Republicans are lining up in opposition to the federal ban. The Congressional moratorium on offshore drilling was first enacted in 1982, and has been renewed every year since. It prohibits oil and gas leasing on most of the outer continental shelf, 3 miles to 200 miles offshore.

Front Page: US and UK Join Forces, Updates to the ADA, Saudi Arabia to Up Oil Production

CitizenSugar — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 07:00:51 -0700

US and UK Join Forces: Prime Minister Gordon Brown has announced Britain will send extra troops to Afghanistan, bringing numbers to their highest level yet — the UK surge will bring overall UK numbers in Afghanistan to more than 8,000. Brown spoke at a news conference with President George Bush, said the military presence would be increased to keep up pressure on the Taliban. The two leaders also joined forces to put pressure on Iran. They have warned Iran to accept their "offers of partnership" or receive harsh sanctions and international isolation. President Bush thanked Brown for his "strong statement" saying, "the Iranians must understand that when we come together and speak with one voice we are serious. . . Iranians must understand, however, that all options are on the table."

Updates to the ADA: The Bush administration is about to big changes that would give people with disabilities greater access to courtrooms, swimming pools, stadiums, and stores. The proposal would update and rewrite federal standards for enforcement of the Americans With Disabilities Act, a landmark civil rights law passed with large bipartisan support in 1990. The new rules would have more strict requirements and are being put forth in an effort to meet the needs of an aging population and growing numbers of disabled war veterans. More than seven million businesses and all state and local government agencies would need to make changes.
Saudi Arabia to Up Oil Production: Though President Bush was unable to persuade them to do so, Saudi Arabia now plans to increase its oil production by 200,000 barrels a day next month, the kingdom's oil minister told UN chief Ban Ki-moon yesterday. Ban said, "the king believes that the current oil prices are abnormally high, and he is ready to restore prices to their appropriate levels." Saudi Arabia is thought to increase oil production by 200,000 barrels a day from June to July. By July, production should be at 9.7 million barrels a day.

Mexico's Cheap Gas Draws American Drivers

CitizenSugar — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 09:55:30 -0700

Mexico's Cheap Gas Draws American Drivers
A gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in San Diego retails for an average price of $4.61 a gallon. A few miles south, in Tijuana, it's about $2.54 — even less if you pay in pesos. More and more people appear to be taking advantage of the lower price. "I used to buy exclusively in the US before gas started really going up," said Patrick Garcia, a drama teacher in San Diego who lives in Tijuana. "Since then, I've been buying all my gas in Tijuana."

Pricey Country Roads: Gas Prices Hit Rural Americans Harder

LibertySugar — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 15:45:59 -0700

Americans everywhere are shocked and stressed as gas reaches the all-time high with the national average at $4 per gallon. But, common outrage does not mean common hardship. High gas prices impact rural USA the worst.

Those living outside cities are facing tough decisions, especially in the Southeast where public transportation is lacking and commute distances are sprawling. For farm workers, sports-utility vehicles actually have some utility; but, it's much more costly to fill up pick-up trucks and vans. To adjust, some are cutting back on meat, others are borrowing money for gas, and some are searching for scarce jobs closer to home.

Faraway from rural America, Saudi Arabia is calling for a summit on astronomical oil prices. The Saudi Information and Culture Minister said that the kingdom wants to ensure that there are no unwarranted or unnatural oil price hikes that could impact international economies, especially those of developing countries.

Perhaps oil producers like Saudi Arabia are worried that high prices will force people to reduce their demand. Hearing about the struggles in rural America, it's difficult to imagine how consumers won't try to kick their oil addiction as soon as possible.

Source

Front Page: Bush Goes to Europe, Spanish Truckers Strike, Quake Lake Still Rising

CitizenSugar — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 06:58:08 -0700

Bush Goes to Europe: President Bush has just departed for a farewell trip to Europe's major capitals, taking news of both concern for and confidence in the US economy. His first stop is Slovenia for his final US-European Union Summit. He will also visit Germany, Italy, France, England and Northern Ireland. Expressing concern about the economy and soaring energy prices (which hit $4 a gallon over the weekend and could go higher) Bush said in a departure statement that a strong dollar is in the US interest and the interest of the global economy.

Spainish Truckers Strike: While Europe waits for Bush, tens of thousands of Spanish truckers have begun an indefinite strike over the soaring price of diesel, which has risen by 20 percent this year. They stopped work at midnight and began disrupting traffic at one of the border crossings between Spain and France. The protesters prevented other trucks from passing, and shut down car traffic. Most of the 90,000 truckers participating have warned that many supermarkets will run out of goods within days. The head of the transportation association said, "we are the ones who move the goods that this country needs to keep working. If we stop because we haven't got the money to buy fuel then the country will stop."
Quake Lake Still Rising: The water level in an earthquake-formed lake in China is still rising, despite efforts to drain it. Early this morning, the water level was more than 6 feet higher than the man-made channel created to solve the problem. Experts say the lake could burst at any time, flooding the homes of more than one million people. A quarter of a million people have already been evacuated from the area since the earthquake that caused the quake lake to form. Government estimates now put the quake death toll at 69,136 with another 17,686 people missing.

Consumers Protest Fuel Price Hike in India For Second Day

CitizenSugar — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 12:10:45 -0700

Consumers Protest Fuel Price Hike in India For Second Day
The AP reports: Angry consumers blocked rail tracks and roads and shut down businesses in several parts of India for a second day Friday, protesting a hike in fuel prices by the government. Police detained 20 activists of the right-wing opposition Shiv Sena after they disrupted train services in a suburb of Mumbai. The government hiked gasoline prices by 5 rupees ($.13) a liter and diesel prices 3 rupees ($.08) a liter on Wednesday to partially offset soaring international oil prices.

Your Two Cents: Would a Four-Day Work Week Suit You?

LibertySugar — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 14:10:45 -0700

Your Two Cents: Would a Four-Day Work Week Suit You?
While some employers have been proactive in coming up with ways to help their commuting employees with gross gas bills, several state and local governments are testing a new solution that doesn't involve assisting workers with getting to and from the office. In fact, it involves going to work one less day each week.

In Suffolk County on Long Island, Legislator Wayne Horsley has proposed a three month trial that would give employees the option of replacing five eight-hour shifts with four 10-hour shifts. He says the transition would save 461 barrels of oil in just 120 days.

Thieves Increasingly Drilling Into Fuel Tanks To Steal Gas

CitizenSugar — Wed, 28 May 2008 07:55:32 -0700

Thieves Increasingly Drilling Into Fuel Tanks To Steal Gas Dale Fortin is getting a new kind of customer at his Detroit auto repair shop, customers who have not just been in a fender-bender or had a windshield smashed by a rock. The soaring price of crude oil has turned gas tanks into a cache of valuable booty, and Fortin has replaced several tanks punctured or drilled by thieves thirsting for the nearly $4-a-gallon fuel inside. "That's the new fad," said the co-owner of Dearborn Auto Tech in Detroit. "I'd never seen it before gas got up this high."

Gas Prices Map of the United States

CitizenSugar — Thu, 22 May 2008 13:25:04 -0700

Gas Prices Map of the United States Gas prices have topped $4 in the city where I live, so I was wondering just how high are gas prices across the United States? Gas Buddy, a website dedicated to spotting cheap gas prices, has the answer. Here’s a "temperature" map of gas prices in the United States, broken down into counties. Check out your ZIP code.

Front Page: Ban Ki-Moon in Myanmar, Oil Spikes Three Days, Farm Bill and Tax Package

CitizenSugar — Thu, 22 May 2008 07:00:48 -0700

Ban Ki-Moon in Myanmar: UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has begun his tour the devastated Irrawaddy Delta in Myanmar. He is set to meet with military ruler Gen Than Shwe hoping to persuade the government to accept more aid for cyclone victims. So far the government has blocked large-scale international assistance, and foreign agencies say they are able to deliver just 30 percent of what they would like. The death toll from Cyclone Nargis is currently 78,000 dead, with another 56,000 missing. The UN says that fewer than a 25 percent of the 2.4 million people affected have received aid.

Oil Spikes Three Days: Oil cost attained a new record for highest price for a third straight day, topping $135 a barrel. OPEC producer Saudi Arabia last week said it had raised production by 300,000 barrels per day, but the news had minimal impact on the market.
Farm Bill and Tax Package: The House voted 316-to-108 to override President Bush's veto of the Farm Bill. The vote was well over the two-thirds needed. Bush said in his veto announcement, “for a year and a half, I have consistently asked that the Congress pass a good farm bill that I can sign. Regrettably, the Congress has failed to do so. At a time of high food prices and record farm income, this bill lacks program reform and fiscal discipline.” The House also passed a $54 billion tax package. The measure renews tax breaks that have expired or will expire soon and provides new tax relief in the form of child tax-credits and breaks for renewable energy.

Car Salesman Offers Gas or Gun With Purchase. Your Choice?

CitizenSugar — Wed, 21 May 2008 15:45:53 -0700

With all the news of car trade-ins, it was really only a matter of time before dealerships got creative with promotions. One in Missouri is drawing customers with a choice of a free gift — $250 bucks in fuel for your new ride, or a free semiautomatic handgun. The dealer who dreamed up the incentive says it's really about protecting yourself in tough economic times. "It's a choice — protection or gas. We got high gas prices, theft, carjackings, innocent people getting hurt." So which option is winning?"Right now we're running 80 percent toward the gun," said the salesman behind the promotion. (I wonder if the lady in this pic chose the piece over the pump too?) Apparently the firepower isn't a novelty for his customers. "I get in a vehicle to bid a trade, there are guns in the seats, guns in the back windows. Everybody has a gun — there's no backlash."One customer said, "Love guns, we all need to have guns. Guns or gas or fuel, I'll take the gun anytime." The dealership makes it all legal by handing out a certificate for the gun — the customer has to pass the background check on his own. The local police chief is OK with the promotion — just as long as the weapons aren't handed out at the dealership.Is this harebrained or brilliant? Is there a problem with making a semiautomatic gun a gift-with-purchase? Which would you pick?Source

Car Salesman Offers Gas or Gun With Purchase. Your Choice?

Come on! The gas. The last thing we need is more firepower on the streets

Not sure, but imagine someone in a Prius with a semiautomatic on the front seat? Hot.

The gun. Why not? If it's all legal, the man makes a point. We all need protection.

Neither/both/other. I gotta tell you what I'm thinking in the comments.

Rising Tortilla Prices Could Cause Political Unrest in Mexico

LibertySugar — Mon, 19 May 2008 10:00:20 -0700

Fearing political backlash, Mexico's government is promising citizens that it will do what it can to keep tortilla prices right where they are. According to Mexico's National Chamber for the Tortilla and Dough Industry, prices will rise 18 percent in the coming weeks.

The government, sensing troubling inflation and massive protests, is planning to offer financial support to offset the price of transportation and warehousing, according to BBC.

The high costs of corn and gasoline are causing the spike. Hording of corn by producers is also putting a strain on supply. Tortillas, being such a staple, have ability to influence Mexico's national economy. Bloomberg News reports that a 40 percent jump in tortilla prices would probably force the central bank to deliver a significant interest rate hike.

Can you think of a food staple for which an 18 percent rise in price would cause massive street protests in your neck of the woods? Is it surprising that food prices would have a direct impact on the bank's interest rates? What food would cause the government to intervene in the States?

Source

Bush Fails to Win Saudi Help on Gas Prices

CitizenSugar — Fri, 16 May 2008 15:40:57 -0700

Bush Fails to Win Saudi Help on Gas Prices President Bush failed to win the help he sought from Saudi Arabia to relieve skyrocketing American gas prices Friday, a setback for the former Texas oilman who took office predicting he would jawbone oil-producing nations to help the US. Bush got a red-carpet welcome to this desert kingdom, home to the world's largest oil reserves, and promised to ask King Abdullah to increase production to reduce pressure on prices, which soared past $127 for the first time Friday.

Holy Gas, Batman! Church Tempts Parishioners With Fuel

CitizenSugar — Wed, 14 May 2008 06:00:05 -0700

America's car-culture worship might be reaching new heights, and transcendent ones at that. A church in Snellville, GA has developed a new strategy to tempt newcomers and get butts in pew seats: free gas.

Rusty Newman, the church’s senior pastor said of this congregation-filling promotion: “We don’t know how far it will go with these soaring prices, but it may make someone’s night.” The church set up a sign to alert passing motorists of their offer (a $500 gas raffle — hmm. Sounds familiar. . . ) on a busy road in town and soon after they were inundated with calls. So many that the church had to order a whole new phone line just to keep up.

Pastor Newman looked to the Bible for an endorsement from a higher authority for his gas scheme, and came to believe that Jesus feeding a great many with a few loaves and fish was the answer to his prayers. “If it was just to get people in the building, it would be wrong. But we want to meet someone’s physical need and eternal spiritual needs.”

It's not enough to pray for lower gas prices, now a break on gas is bait to worship? Is this creative clergying or misguiding the flock? Would you stop in and pray for a chance to fill up your tank?
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Are High Gas Prices Getting You on the Public Bandwagon?

LibertySugar — Mon, 12 May 2008 15:45:22 -0700

While gas prices break records, so do ridership rates on public transportation systems across America. The New York Times reports that the biggest increases are seen in areas with a significant driving culture, such as the South and West. Mass transit systems are having trouble coping with the masses. Rising fuel costs hit the systems hard, and the economic slow down means less funding from sales tax receipts. Thus, there is not enough money to put more buses on the street. Even so, people are opting for the standing room only services. American bicycle shops are also reporting stronger business so far this year. A record number of commuters are expected to participate in Bike-To-Work Week and Bike-to-Work-Day (May 16th). So, what about you? Have gas prices caused you to change your transportation habits? Do you think high gas prices could eventually motivate Americans (and their cities) to ditch their cars and develop efficient mass transit? Source

Are High Gas Prices Getting You on the Public Bandwagon?

Mass transit all the way! I've ditched the four wheels for good!

Not quite, but I do carpool a lot more.

I wish. But the only public transit system around me is the sidewalk.

No! Gas will have to be a lot more expensive before I ditch my comfy car!

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

Oil Surpasses $126 Per Barrel Ahead of US Driving Season

CitizenSugar — Fri, 09 May 2008 09:55:00 -0700

Oil Surpasses $126 Per Barrel Ahead of US Driving Season Oil prices surpassed a record $126 per barrel Friday on the eve of the U.S. driving season as a weakening dollar drove investors to snap up commodities. Light, sweet crude for June delivery rose $2.51 to a new record of $126.20 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange by the afternoon in Europe.

Pelosi: Gas Tax Holiday Would Defeat Everything We're Doing to Lower Oil Costs

CitizenSugar — Thu, 01 May 2008 14:25:52 -0700

Pelosi: Gas Tax Holiday Would Defeat Everything We're Doing to Lower Oil Costs: Pelosi says, "First of all, there's no reason to believe that any moratorium on the gas tax will be passed onto the consumer, first and foremost. This has not been the history, of a lowered gas tax being passed onto the consumer."

The Story Fueling Our Gas Woes. Is Gas Your #1 Concern?

CitizenSugar — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 08:00:16 -0700

If a trip to the gas station has left your wallet lighter than air, it's comforting to know someone's getting fat off of fuel costs: Big Oil. BP and Royal Dutch Shell just reported massive increases in profits for the first three months of 2008. BP's gross (that's an understatement) profits rose 48 percent in the first quarter to $6.6 billion while Shell increased its profits 12 percent to a record $7.8 billion.Surely their good fortune driven by the rising oil prices has made them generous? Nope. The companies have passed growing costs right on to consumers to shell out big bucks at the pump. We've reached the top (or bottom) though, right? Well, the head of OPEC has just warned that the price of oil could hit $200 a barrel. And pity your friends in the UK — speculation is likely to push petrol to £5 (that's about $10) a gallon today. I say, "ouch!" ol' chap.

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One positive gas-goody (?): It's bringing Clinton and McCain together. Clinton has just joined McCain calling for gas tax relief saying, “This is one of the big differences in this race. My opponent Senator Obama opposes giving consumers a break on the gas tax at the federal level. I support it. I understand the American people need some relief.”

A recent survey shows gas is the #1 concern, over jobs and health care with 44 percent of participants saying paying for gasoline was a "serious problem" for them. Is it for you? Is fueling your life a serious problem? Are you surprised by the record profits? Should Big Oil be involved in a solution?

The Story Fueling Our Gas Woes. Is Gas Your #1 Concern?

It's the root of all my problems. Food prices, the housing crash are because of the pump.

It's not #1, but it's certainly a huge concern.

The gas situation isn't fun, but I'll pay to play. I like that it makes me get out of my car.

Big Oil raked in record profits!? That's my #1 concern!

Other. Don't start the meter yet! I'll tell you in the comments.

Gas, Gas, Gas! Common Pump Glitch Means You Pay More!

CitizenSugar — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 12:00:26 -0700

Have you noticed sometimes you hit the gas station and you get a pump that sort of stalls for a second when the lever is squeezed? But the money meter starts right away — anywhere from 2 to 6 cents rack up before the gasoline starts gushing. Apparently it's a common, though hard to diagnose and often ignored problem with the "check valve." That's the gizmo that's supposed to make sure gas flows at the same time you start paying.

But even if your gas pump is in full working order, it's allowed to be off as much as $5 for every fill up. Local regulators who test the equipment allow a pump to charge as much as 6 cents more than the gas delivered in a five-gallon test. Regulators try to check out the equipment every six months but some cash-strapped counties don't even meet the one-year requirement in states like New York. The moral of the story? Stay vigilant and keep your eye on that meter.

Wish someone would just give you free money for gas? Wish there was an easy and fun contest that would enter you to win $500 of fuel? Wish you could enter the CitizenSugar Gas Giveaway right now?

Source

Feeling Gassy? The Government Is Too.

CitizenSugar — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 06:00:40 -0700

It's no secret that gas is completely expensive. This week the news about it has been a gusher. Big Oil execs were called in front of Congress to explain the hit we're all taking at the pump. What else? Oh, the truckers went on strike showing us how high gas prices can also send commerce to a screeching halt, and we found out ethanol is not the wonder-fuel everyone hoped and could actually be making the food and environment problems worse. Awesome.

Surely all that is just coincidence right? The energy and environmental problems aren't that bad. Well, yesterday 18 states filed to take the Environmental Protection Agency to court saying that even though the EPA was faced with a Supreme Court ruling to regulate greenhouse gas emissions, including carbon dioxide from motor vehicles, they've done nothing. 18 states. Suing. The EPA. For not protecting the environment. Oh golly.

If you're curious to see what Big Oil had to say for themselves,

Picture It: Truckers Unite to Put Brakes on Runaway Fuel Costs

CitizenSugar — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 00:00:39 -0700

Photo of the Day: With diesel prices hitting $4 per gallon, a big group of road warriors assembled this weekend in Pennsylvania. In addition to the fuel costs, the plan to privatize the Pennsylvania Turnpike, which will affect the tolls on I-80, heavily influences big rigs traveling across the country. One of the group's spokesmen said, “Every freight that travels across Interstate 80 is paying $100 more.”

The rally of truckers turned out to organize a convoy to drive I-81 on March 31 to raise awareness of the effect that diesel prices have on us all. The eventual goal is a convoy to Washington, DC.

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