The Gasoline and Heating Fuel Quagmire
Posted: Friday, April 10, 2009
by Sandra E. Graham
My Books and Articles
Well, even President Obama is telling us there is a slight upturn in the economic slump. I have noticed that the stock market has turned up just a bit-at least, the stock I'm watching has. So, do we dare hope that we have sunk as deep as we will go into this sludge-pit of economic problems?
I noticed a few items in the grocery stores had dropped in price, so I was beginning to actually believe that things could very well improve for consumers. But that was before the sudden rise in gasoline prices. Then we had our propane tank filled today and I was pleasantly surprised to see that propane prices had dropped significantly since our last tank refill last month. Propane had dropped from $2.41 per gallon to $1.64. Quite a noticeable improvement over the last six months.
Then I realized the pattern that was unfolding and the truth of what was happening. I may have had my head buried in the sand too long and everyone else already knows this; but at any rate I will admit to ignorance on this one.
Has anyone else noticed that the cost of gasoline goes up at the beginning of summer-vacation and trip season and drops during the winter months when people travel less? And heating fuel works the exact opposite-goes up in the late fall as soon as temperatures begin to drop; then goes down in early spring just when you don't have to fill your tank again until the prices begin to rise and the temperatures begin to drop. I guess maybe I just didn't notice this phenomenon when there wasn't an economic crisis looming over the world.
Could this be a conspiracy??-If they can't keep us down one way, they'll do it another?
Just when my heating fuel drops to a reasonable level, gasoline makes a jump to make that trip to visit my grandchildren in Texas unaffordable. Is this what they mean when they say, "circle of life"? And, naturally, I won't be saving any money anyway, because I don't need heating fuel in the summer; but I will be using an excess amount of electricity due to running fans and air conditioners.
President Obama's optimism may be a bit premature; don't you think? The ups and downs are what seem to be our biggest problems. If all prices would just level out and stay put for awhile-reach a happy medium, so to speak-we would know what to expect and wouldn't have to second-guess every move we make. I can certainly understand the frustration of the general public.
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Top-level comments on this article: (3 total)Very good article and as usual well written by you Sandra! Thanks for sharing it. Lastly wishing a happy & meaningful easter.Thanks so much, TC, for reading and commenting.Sandra
Youve joined my fan club?!how do i join your fan club,in retaliation?paul schroederWell, Paul, searchwarp has so very many great authors it isn't hard to want to be a fan. Thanks for reading my article and if you want to join my fan club, when you read one of my articles, just click on the note that says "click here to join_____'s fan club."Welcome to Searchwarp and good luck.Sandra
Great article. Well done.I once wrote an article called the Ressesion is big money. It fits in slightly with some of the points you are making.Talking about fuel (gasoline) prices; in the UK 60% of what you pay is actually tax!That wouldn't be so bad if the taxes were going for a 'good cause'--like roads, schools, social security, etc. Here, I think most of it goes into the Oil Cartell's private pockets!Thanks for reading and commenting, Connor.Sandra
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