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    • Fuel Prices Soar Again Save Email Print
    Omaha average: $3.69
    Posted: 10:23 AM May 13, 2008
     Last Updated: 7:37 PM May 13, 2008
     Email Address: sixonline@wowt.com
    73 comments
    A | A | A

    Gasoline prices continued to soar Tuesday, jumping approximately 14 cents a gallon in the metro overnight.

    Prices shot up across the country. According to AAA, the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is $3.73, up about 10 cents from last week and a new record high.

    The average price in Omaha is $3.69. That's up more than 50 cents from a month ago.

    Ralph and Carol Cox of Fullerton, Nebraska were in town for Tuesday’s Creighton-Nebraska baseball game. The couple says gas prices will soon change the way they live.

    “It’s gonna make us stay at home pretty soon because we’re living on Social Security and a small pension and we just can’t, we aren’t gonna survive it,” says Carol. “I think they’re terrible, but what can you do about ‘em?” says Ralph.

    Consider that filling the tank, then parking outside is like leaving $50-$100 on the street and that’s a big temptation to someone who needs gas and doesn’t want to pay for it.

    “They just put a hole in your tank and let it leak into a pan," says Brian Kent, manager of O'Reilly Auto Parts. People who need gas are doing some desperate things to get it.

    Kent says motorists are trying to protect their expensive gas with locking gas caps. “We’re selling a lot more gas caps at this point in time, but the thing is a lot of these tanks already have an anti-siphon in ‘em so you can’t go in and siphon from the top." He says that lock could cost you even more money in repairs if someone really wants to siphon your fuel.

    "I’ve also seen where customers get their fill tube cut or they go in around the fill tube and also where they puncture some gas tanks.”

    Repairing a gas tank could cost you up to $400, so if you have a garage, pull the car in and close the door.
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    Posted by: John Location: Omaha on May 18, 2008 at 05:22 PM
    The problem with drilling in Alaska is the oil produced in Alaska now is shipped to Japan. George Bush has used his executive privilege to sell off much of our national forests, but to who does it benefit? The gains resulting from the corporate raping of these national treasures is diverted to the coporate elite. I don't think we can expect better results from future corporate exploitation of our national resources. Let's not give up the best of what we have if we cannot expect anything in return.
    Posted by: llr Location: omaha on May 17, 2008 at 11:39 PM
    I'm tired of hearing about"global" economy. Why can't every country produce what it needs and feed/serve its own country?! We've seen what happens when the US wants to help...military juntas seize relief & let it rot in storage sheds & then say we shipped rotten food. Take care of yours & your own first. We pay farmers to not plant anything in the form of subsidies. We produce MORE than enough to feed/clothe/gas America, but we ship a major part of it overseas. AND we import toys/household goods/consumer products full of LEAD, from China. I'm sick of being the "breadbasket" of America. I say, we produce here, we buy here & we keep the money here. When we TRY to provide humanitarian aid, it's gobbled up by juntas like Myanmar. They don't want food, they want MONEY. NO MORE MONEY to foreign countries. Let's drill those oil reserves we have right here & don't buy from another country. If the US suddenly stopped trading globally, we'd be OK. The rest of the world can rot. Oh, well.
    Posted by: John Location: Omaha on May 17, 2008 at 03:47 PM
    Most of us could afford even higher gas prices if we didn't have to pay such high taxes. Much of our federal taxes go to foreign aid, foreign military intervention, and a drug war which we are losing. In the long run foreign aid and long term welfare does noone any favors. Feeding, clothing, and housing those who cannot do so for themselves allows said persons the chance to have children who cannot feed, clothe or house themselves. Allowing populations to grow even further beyond their resources, and creating a bigger crisis in the future. Foreign military intervention only unites foreign countries against us. Like prohibition the war on drugs only perpetuates organized crime. Consider that more people drank more alcohol during prohibtion than before or after. Solution, end the war on drugs and simply drug test those on welfare.
    Posted by: Melanie Location: Omaha on May 17, 2008 at 12:21 PM
    Obviously people none of us expected this recession! People who purchased gas hogs prior to this I feel for you! I'm sure none of you expected a gallon of gas to hit almost $4 a gal. The same goes for everyone trying to make it by just going to and from work. As for the government, we elected these people into office to be able to tend to situations like this! They're suppose to be the ones that we turn to. I'm not saying democrat or republican I'm saying all of them! Apparently Mr. Bush has a plan IN AUGUST (after prices have time to skyrocket even higher) where the federal reserve gets tapped into FINALLY. So much for peoples vacations. We've all got to start making changes in our lives and I personally suggest quit blaming the person next door. They had about as much to do with it as you did. Christ, you would think we're heading for another civil war the way people condemn eachother!
    Posted by: John Location: Omaha on May 16, 2008 at 08:59 PM
    There are more people alive in the world today than people who have died throughout all history. As the world population increases and more countries become industrialized demand for consumer goods such as oil and food increases. As demand increases, prices rise. It's easy to blame our government, and certainly the federal government has dropped the ball on energy policy making. Local governments have also failed in wise urban planning. However it's not the governments job to develop alternative fuel sources. That should be left to the private sector. Only when it is economically profitable will this happen. While much of the reason for high fuel prices rest in our foriegn trade, and immigration policies, equal blame should be placed on the guy with the toy truck, the guy with the motor boat, and the kid with the ATV, or dirt bike. So alot of us should look at ourselves.
    Posted by: Michael Location: Omaha on May 16, 2008 at 04:51 PM
    To Pat: Oh, I guess you're right. Our lack of a decent energy policy as well as demand for oil has put us where we are today. I forgot, who made our energy policy for the last 8 years? That's right, the current Executive Branch. It's called accountability, have you ever heard of it?
    Posted by: Andy Location: here on May 16, 2008 at 10:58 AM
    Yeah, I'm sure my 401k has an oil company on there, and I probably own a fraction of one percent. Big deal. I'll still be able to live if the oil companies make 5 bill instead of 10 bill, and you would also. Again, typical Big Oil company line. Not buying it at all. When I see big stock holders in oil companies on the streets, then I'll rethink things. Until then, they aren't helping the situation at all. If they are helping in getting gas to a more reasonable price, I'd like to know what those are. Save your sob story for your company retreats.
    Posted by: Jake Location: Regency on May 16, 2008 at 10:18 AM
    Those that blame the government for gas prices just don't get it. There are measures the government could take to ease the pain at the pump, but it’s hard to see how the U.S. government could directly control the price of a global commodity like gasoline — any more than it could limit what you can charge for that big-screen TV you’re trying to unload on eBay. Gasoline prices — like all market prices — are set by a willing buyer and a willing seller. (You may not be a “happy” buyer right now, but your purchases are still voluntary.) The last time the federal government tried wage and price controls in the 1970s they didn’t work. Refiners chose not to make and sell gasoline at a loss, so there wasn’t enough to go around, and we all had to wait on gas lines.
    Posted by: Pat Location: Omaha on May 16, 2008 at 09:52 AM
    Micheal, Democrats will save us all. Rrrrigggttt.
    Posted by: Bo Location: Omaha on May 16, 2008 at 07:53 AM
    Andy, You go right ahead and buy into all the liberal loving media garbage about how "Big Oil" is so evil. Check you own 401K. You are probably a shareholder. The government is still the biggest criminal in stealing your money. Why is there no cry that farmers are getting a windfall. They are receiving subsidies to raise $8 corn. Where is the outcry for windfall there?? Just "Big Oil" as our stupid democratic congressmen refer to it.
    Posted by: Michael Location: Omaha on May 15, 2008 at 03:25 PM
    Change begins at home. Vote out Lee Terry, he and his GOP buddies are the problem. Too many GOP'ers still in Congress. It's time to take our country back.
    Posted by: Andy Location: here on May 15, 2008 at 08:00 AM
    Hey Bo, how much do the Oil companies pay you to come onto sights like this and spew the company line? Not buying it pal. The stockholders can survive off a 5 billion dollar quarter instead of 10 billion dollars. As far as conserving gas, why do people think we can just up and move to a closer commute to work/school? Never made any sense, and likely would be the wrong thing to do in the long run. Instead, how's about driving 55mph on the insterstate. I know that's a tough concept for people to do, but it definately saves gas. I get an extra 5 mpg when driving constantly at 55, compared to driving at 70 . Sure it takes an extra 5-10 minutes to get where I'm going most of the time, but I'd rather save money than save time at this point. For the most part people are upset, but unless you actually make conscience decision to lower your gas consumption, it's hot air. I can't tell you the # of people in big SUV's and trucks driving 70 on the interstate. That's not helping.
    Posted by: Bruce Location: Omaha on May 15, 2008 at 12:25 AM
    It can only get worse. Go down 5 cents up 10 cents here and forever on out.
    Posted by: Anonymous Location: ? on May 14, 2008 at 04:58 PM
    I used to work at a gas station a few years ago, and everytime the price would go up, customers would come in screaming about how bad we (the gas station) were ripping them off. Most gas stations purchase their fuel on a consingment basis; the fuel supplier comes and fills your tanks but yet you pay nothing until the gas is purchased by the consumer, and then each and every day the oil company to which you belong determined the going price for that day. You can sell the gas for what ever price you choose (profit or loss), but the oil company gets their set price regardless. On an average day, the gas station made usually only 7-10 cents per gallon over cost. It's not the station owners getting rich; it's the oil companies, or someone else.
    Posted by: Dave Location: Omaha on May 14, 2008 at 11:32 AM
    If we could harness the wind generated by people looking to blame those other than ourselves, we wouldn't need fossil fuel. By driving inefficient vehicles (yes, I drive one, too) and not demanding more and better public transportation, we are ALL contributing to the problem.
    Posted by: cory on May 14, 2008 at 09:54 AM
    some of us because of daytime family commitments have to work at night--ain't no way I am going to ride a bike at night in this town--it's bad enough during the day. To those whining that they can't take family trips to get special memories with their children--how about checking the nebraska and iowa maps--there are a lot of fun things to do within just a couple of hours drive. It's the TIME spent with the family that is the special memory--not just the places you went. Gi has has a neat little lake that you can go to, there is Ashfall up northwest of Norfolk. Oh you mean in order to have great memories you have to go to disneyland or seaworld well it's your loss.
    Posted by: Mason Location: Omaha on May 14, 2008 at 09:29 AM
    jjj, If you think electing a democrat is going to resolve everything, I think you are sadly mis-informed. Socialism, big governenment and high taxes won't solve anything. Your so deeply involved in hatred of Bush that you can't see reality. You must believe everything you see on CNN, MSNBC and the broadcast networks news. Scary.
    Posted by: Revolt Location: Washinton D.C. on May 14, 2008 at 09:26 AM
    Why do we sit here and wait for our government make decisions for us? I say Anarchy! and we march to Washington and start riots! Chaos! Take down our government! Hold our politicians responsible. Wasn't it in the 70's that we had gas shortages, we came back from that. Stop complaining and do something already!
    Posted by: K Location: Elkhorn on May 14, 2008 at 08:55 AM
    Gas prices are supply and demand. Make changes (like moving closer to work) to reduce demand and the price will go down.
    Posted by: Lori Location: omaha on May 14, 2008 at 08:50 AM
    BRAVO, Gunnar and Thom! BRAVO! We really need to drill Anwar and start hording our OWN supplies. And for all those currently speculatying by day trading in oil futures... I hope you lose everything you own. Not only for your role in this, but playing the market affects everyone. I'd rather you go over to the boats and lose your shirts THERE.
    Posted by: Bo Location: Omaha on May 14, 2008 at 07:40 AM
    To those who think of oil companies as some fat guy in a suit smoking a big cigar counting his money, got news for you....oil companies are corporations. Look it up. Corporations are owned by stockholders. They are not owned by one or two fat guys in suits who are evil and looking for ways to steal from you. Stop blaming corporations, Bush, Cheney Republicans, Democrats whatever. It is a supply and demand issue. No single political figure is going to resolve the issues. This energy issue will work itself out in time. Geez people, relax a little. This country has been through much worse times. Suck it up and quit whinning.
    Posted by: T Location: Omaha on May 14, 2008 at 07:24 AM
    The BDS (Bush Derangement Syndrome) is running high on these posts.
    Posted by: BJ Location: Papillion on May 14, 2008 at 07:20 AM
    Its vacation time od course gas prices are going to soar! Unless we as consumers stop or significantly cut back on driving Gas prices are never going back down again. No message is being sent to the oil companies. We keep using it as we have in the past and they will keep ripping us off.
    Posted by: Dan Location: Plattsmouth on May 14, 2008 at 07:09 AM
    Bruce: Do some research before you point the finger at someone, Oil is sold by OPEC and they are the ones charging this fees for the oil not Bush. And just how will a democrate do anything, thet can't they are in charge of Congress and the senate they have done nothing as you can see.
    Posted by: Tim Location: C.B. on May 14, 2008 at 06:29 AM
    How about the whole county not fueling up at the pump for 48 hours would they get the message and make the elected officials pay at the pump just like the rest of us.
    Posted by: Bruce Location: Omaha on May 14, 2008 at 12:49 AM
    These rebate checks are only to make look Bush look good. He gets it back with the oilmen friends taking us. Once a Democrat gets in there they will go down 50 cents
    Posted by: HD Location: Bellevue on May 13, 2008 at 11:38 PM
    I just completed a necessary trip to the west coast and all I can tell you is the American pulic in general just doesn't care what it costs. I saw plenty of BIG an I mean BIG motor homes pulling the Jeep or boat heading down the road and it isn't even summer yet. Disel is running $4.799 & reg unl is $3.899 on the coast. That was on the 11th. I saw lots of new drilling going on, but it is to little to late right now. We did this to ourselves, we sat back fat dumb and happy and let the government get away from us. By the people, for the people is what the constitution says, well it certainly isn't for the people any more and it hasn't been by the people for a long time. Big business and big money control. People in government are called civil sevants, however they are niether civil nor servant any more. Wake up America, uncontroled immigration, political correctness and just blind stupidity will be the downfall of the greatest nation on earth. "Good Night & Good Luck"
    Posted by: Ryan Location: Omaha on May 13, 2008 at 11:19 PM
    Brittany - I'm not entirely sure why you're looking to me for suggestions on getting out of your Cherokee. It seems you bought more vehicle than you could afford if you are in such a bind. If you can't afford fuel for it, you may be better off taking the loss now by selling it. On the other hand, if you keep paying on the Cherokee and pay it off, that car payment will cover a lot of fuel. It's unfortunate that you are in the situation that you're in, but nobody made you buy a gas guzzler you could barely afford. A 4 cylinder minivan would do at least 95% of what you probably do in the Cherokee, and you can buy them all day long for less than a year's depreciation on a Cherokee. For what it's worth, I drive about 26,000 miles a year in a 1997 Jeep Wrangler that probably gets worse mileage than your Cherokee. I actually _need_ 4 wheel drive several times a month, so I deal with the less desirable aspects, too. Choices, choices.
    Posted by: Bill Location: Omaha on May 13, 2008 at 10:11 PM
    If the prices rise anymore I will have to switch from Alpo to cheap cat food to eat.
    Posted by: Fernando Location: Omaha on May 13, 2008 at 09:36 PM
    We can put a man on the moon. Can't make a car that gets 100 miles a gallon. There is something seriously wrong with that. I drive a 91 honda accord 5 speed. It cost about 45 bucks to fill it last week. We can do better. Where is the American intelligence?????
    Posted by: Gunnar Location: Omaha on May 13, 2008 at 08:57 PM
    To iii, I don't think so. If you want to believe that garbage, you go right ahead. I ask, where is the proof, except for some propaganda movie by Mr. I Invented The Internet.
    Posted by: Joe Location: LaVista on May 13, 2008 at 08:36 PM
    More and more people are riding motorcycles and scooters. The gas mileage for a commute can not be beat.
    Posted by: Liz Location: Omaha on May 13, 2008 at 08:31 PM
    We were warned: A Bush/Cheney administration would wind up enriching only their cronies at the expense of the lower socioeconomic classes. Their incompetence has destroyed our economy and the future for our children!
    Posted by: TJ Location: Lincoln on May 13, 2008 at 08:15 PM
    Start voting every politician out of office as soon as you can. We need a change of leadership. This is every politicians fault, not just Bush or "the dems". It is a mixture. We need politicians who want to represent the people, not them selves or the special interest groups.
    Posted by: Jack Location: Omaha on May 13, 2008 at 07:57 PM
    Blame it on Bush and his oil cronies. Gas was 1.37 when he took office and now look at it.
    Posted by: Thom Location: Columbus on May 13, 2008 at 06:33 PM
    Thank the democrats and the enviromental wackos for not letting us drill Alaska and off shore for our own oil. OPEC has us in their control. We have enough oil of our own that we would not have to import any foreign oil..
    Posted by: OR Location: Or on May 13, 2008 at 06:22 PM
    Whine, whine, whine, whine, whine! Please people, talk with your grandparents or someone from that generation and ask them what it means to 'struggle." We have such a cushy lifestyle. We probably are the laziest generation ever in this country. I love how people always blame someone else too. Just deal with it. I've made a lot of money off of rising energy prices. That's what I love about capitalism! You dems should stop looking to the government for handouts and try it sometime!
    Posted by: Keith G Location: Omaha on May 13, 2008 at 05:44 PM
    The technology is there. I saw on YouTube cars that run on air. Yup air. 165 miles on one tank and it costs $2 to fill up. Moore bad news: Prez Bush has said today the answer is to drill for more oil. Continuing to use oil only delays our dependence on Oil. Eventually, we will run out of oil. If not this generation than it will be the next. What we NEED to do is design a mode of transportation that runs on a CHEAP fuel source. A fuel that we can make here at home and not need to get from foreign sources.
    Posted by: Kay Location: AMERICA on May 13, 2008 at 05:42 PM
    For those of us with kids who can't ride the bikes, car pool or walk everywhere: Can't afford a Hybrid or any car right now. Can't take the kids to Grandparents house anymore due to it costing too much to drive them back and forth. Find a sitter closer to home and walk them there. Leaving earlier to walk to the sitter and then to work. Paying more in sitter cost for the extra hours (before and after work). Now I am leaving my kids with someone who could possibly take out their anger on kids due to stress from longer sitter hours. Now I am paying high medical bills and hospital stays. Losing my job because I WILL stay by my kids side. Being criticized for being a working mother who leaves their children with someone else because my husband and I both have to work to provide the basics (food, clothing, insurance, a home) for our kids.........on and on and on. Yes it is a vicious cycle. And yes my husband has carpooled for years!
    Posted by: Brittany Location: Omaha on May 13, 2008 at 05:37 PM
    Ryan, how do you suggest we sell our SUV's when due to the spiking of gas prices, we can't even get what we owe or even remotely close to what they are worth. SUV values have fallen by almost 50% in the past year. Would you get rid of your SUV if it meant rolling $5k in negative equity onto a new loan? Trust me, I know many people who would LOVE to get into more economical vehicles. With the credit crunch, banks will not finance negative equity. I have a 2002 Grand Cherokee in mint condition, and I could not get more than $3k on trade now. Even selling outright we'd be lucky to get 50% of what they should be worth. We can't afford to keep them, and we can't afford to get rid of them either! And even if the decision was made to sell our SUV's, no one would finance the negative equity. Tell me, how do you suggest we get rid of our SUV's? Insurance fraud? That is about the only way, and a good, honest person would never do that. I'll be waiting patiently for your brilliant ideas.
    Posted by: M Location: Blair on May 13, 2008 at 04:52 PM
    it's kind of hard to walk or ride a bike from Blair to Hiway 50 and I80 every day i do carpool but even that isn't enough
    Posted by: Jim Location: Omaha on May 13, 2008 at 04:51 PM
    Rosie, Not the oil companies fault. You pay more taxes to Uncle Sam in a gallon of gas than what an oil company profits from that same gallon. I think I heard a stat they (oil co.) get $.06 per gallon. Everyone, especially the media, wants to demonize the oil companies (Big Oil). What can they do? No new drilling is allowed and no new refineries can be built (by order of our fine Congress). Only thing Congress would do if they got involved is screw everything up worse than they already have. What do we get for the $0.50 a gallon in taxes we pay? The US Government is making a HUGE profit off gas. We need Congress to stop the restrictions on refineries and new drilling and prices will stabilize. But I don't know if we can ever expect "cheap gas" again.
    Posted by: jjj Location: omaha on May 13, 2008 at 04:49 PM
    To Gunnar: you are sadly misinformed.
    Posted by: annoyed Location: fremont on May 13, 2008 at 04:12 PM
    Well, it is annoying. People need gas to get to and from work so they can pay for their gas to get to and from work. It's a vicious cycle. However, I don't see it changing anytime soon unless the people of America start DEMANDING a change. On the upside, maybe walking and riding bikes everywhere will solve America's obesity problem, which in my opinion, is far worse in the long run than expensive gas. Expensive gas won't kill you, being obese will.
    Posted by: Ryan Location: Omaha on May 13, 2008 at 04:07 PM
    Where are we guaranteed cheap gas, people? Most of the world would be happy to pay $4.00 a gallon. Sell your Expeditions and Suburbans and buy something that gets decent mileage. Walk to work. Carpool. Ride a bike. Joshua - that's 4 miles. Why do you have to "seriously ponder" it? Just go do it - a little exercise may help with the anger issues, too.
    Posted by: gas guzzler Location: omaha on May 13, 2008 at 03:36 PM
    It is alot bigger picture......Dow Jones..Bet some people are making some bank off all the trading going on over the gas prices. I would ride a bike but it would take me 4-5 hours to ride. Something has to be done; I agree with the previous writer, people on fixed incomes/ssi will be hurting soon and I bet our government doesn't give a rats butt about it either. They (government)are the ones in control. All we can do is sit back and watch it happen and get stuck with the prices...
    Posted by: CM Location: Bellevue on May 13, 2008 at 03:32 PM
    Refresh my memory, those of you who know more than I do. Wasn't it explained to us that when a station ordered their gas, and it was more per gallon for them, then they could pass the increase on to us? If that is the case, then why, when BP e.g., raises their prices, so does Mobil and Sinclair, etc? Are they all getting shipments at the same, exact time? I don't think so. Plus, how can all of this be happening and the oil companies are setting record profits? Didn't Mobil/Exxon have a record profit for the first quarter somewhere in the neighborhood of $10 Billion? How come this is happening? Record profits and we're taking it in the shorts? Profit is ok; a business is IN business to make a profit. But record profits every quarter and humongous bonuses for executives is a bit over the top.
    Posted by: G Location: Valley, NE on May 13, 2008 at 03:29 PM
    The reason that the House & Senate do not address this issue is because they do not have to pay for their gas - we do! We also pay for the leases & fees on their cars, too. Quite ironically, they have no clue what is going on in the real world - and how it affects their constituents.
    Posted by: Rosie Location: Omaha on May 13, 2008 at 03:21 PM
    Why won't Congress make the oil companies justify their costs. Price spiking is way out of control and Congress is afraid to stop the oil companies from making HUGE profits. We have plenty of crude oil in Alaska, Okla, Texas, etc. Too bad all the dip sticks are in Washington DC
    Posted by: zach Location: metzger on May 13, 2008 at 03:05 PM
    get more money if you can everyone.
    Posted by: Reality Check Post 2!! on May 13, 2008 at 03:00 PM
    Oil price fixing is a solution, but let's remember what happened to oil supplies in the 70's (gas shortages, lines, etc.). Plus, it's not going to help globally with the price of the dollar declining. Two things should happen: the greenback should be fixed to a less volatile standard for 2-5 fiscal years (say, gold), allowing for the dollar value to recover slightly and for consumers to regain their spending and footing(thus, allowing for the dollar to get reallocated to the GDP/consumer spending it is currently on); two, find alternatives to gas spending (i.e. cities investing more in mass transit, people willing to trust mass transit, etc.) Of course, all this sounds like a pipe dream, so there really isn't much you can do. BTW, I haven't trusted any elected representatives in years. Anyone realize that the only ones elected are the ones with monetary spending power (thus increasing their public profile)? You think they give a damn about us?
    Posted by: Gunnar Location: Omaha on May 13, 2008 at 02:52 PM
    I blame that idiot Al Gore. Because of all this global warming garbage and tree hugger mentality, we get no new refineries, no nuclear, no new coal plants, no drilling offshore.......Not sure what we expect. Can't run everything off solar and wind.
    Posted by: TT Location: Omaha on May 13, 2008 at 02:38 PM
    Pretty sad that because of the gas prices we cannot afford now to take our boys on a family trip this summer like we wanted too, we have to cut back on everything, and that includes being able to enjoy special memories with our children. Something needs to give. After 9/11 the prices of gas spiked to almost $2 a gallon, and everyone was panicking...we as citizens need to really make a stand so this ENDS
    Posted by: mike Location: omaha on May 13, 2008 at 02:18 PM
    T makes very valid points. The same people that say we need to do something about fossil fuels and the effects on our environment are blocking nuclear power and other clean energy sources. How many people reading this have been to ANWR? None? Then why are we not drilling for the billions of barrels of oil there? The way that oil is obtained is MUCH cleaner and environmentally sound than they were years ago. It is not the 1940's anymore and we can leave much of the wildlife alone while helping with energy costs. I'm not asking for a revolution, just some representatives with common sense. Maybe I'll have to run...
    Posted by: jjj Location: omaha on May 13, 2008 at 02:15 PM
    TO BOB: Until the democrats have enough to override a Veto - they can not do anything Oil Bush doesn't want. How many things did Bush veto while Republicans held Congress - nothing in 7 years. He's vetoed everything the Democrats have tried to do to change things from his failed policy. Our day is coming....
    Posted by: zach Location: millard west high school on May 13, 2008 at 02:13 PM
    We need to end the war and by oil from the middle east if we become friends.
    Posted by: Anonymous on May 13, 2008 at 01:13 PM
    i know sick im tired of it too got my check and it went for food and gas mostly
    Posted by: mike Location: omaha on May 13, 2008 at 01:11 PM
    For the people blaming the president, let's remember that the Democrats won the House and Senate on the promise of lower gas prices...and they've risen ever since. All of our politicians need to take some blame for letting this happen. It is NOT a supply and demand issue. If that were the case, you would see prices rise sporatically around the city as their cost went up (when they refill their pumps). Instead, they raise their prices on the price of oil, which is based on speculation and can change several times each day. Notice that the prices don't drop immediately when the price of a barrel of oil goes down, so they are collecting on both ends when the price adjusts. The oil companies are driving up the prices of a barrel, because they are also the ones that sell to the service stations and can raise their rates accordingly. They also refine the fuel and can add to the speculated price by reporting "problems". And ALL of our gov't lets it occur.
    Posted by: Joshua Location: Omaha, NE on May 13, 2008 at 12:57 PM
    I have seriously pondered riding my bike from 108th & maple to 60th and maple for work!!!! This is absolutely OUT OF CONTROL!!! President Bush will go down in history as the worst president ever! Start taking care of your country President Bush!!!!
    Posted by: Keith G Location: Omaha on May 13, 2008 at 12:45 PM
    I said this once and I'm gonna say it again... Make Iraq pay for our being in their country with Oil. Why should we foot the bill for saving their butts?
    Posted by: T Location: Omaha on May 13, 2008 at 12:42 PM
    This is all Congress' fault - they blocked oil drilling off the coasts, in Alaska and elsewhere, as well as blocked expansion of refinery capacity, and nuclear power, kowtowing to the environmental extremeists for going on 20 years now. Increasing CAFE standards will take another decade to have any effect, given the millions of older cars on the roads, and any refinery expansions or new power plants will take 7-0 years to build. Obama, Clinton and McCain all were involved - Rememeber this in the ballot box.
    Posted by: Bob Location: Elkhorn on May 13, 2008 at 12:13 PM
    Bush may be the oil president but the house is controlled by the Democrats. They will do everything in their power not to let the price get lowered until they win the upcomming election. We are really paying for this being an election year.
    Posted by: Scott Location: Omaha on May 13, 2008 at 12:07 PM
    Whatcha gonna do?? Don't like it buy a bicycle.
    Posted by: kms Location: omaha on May 13, 2008 at 12:06 PM
    I have zero confidence in our area and nation's lawmakers. They are complete bums and have no common sense. Yes, we need a regulation put in place on gas prices like they did in the 70s. This is nuts. People are strapped to no end right now, whether you drive a fuel efficient vehicle or not.
    Posted by: Suzy Location: Bellevue on May 13, 2008 at 12:06 PM
    This is ridiculous and nothing is being done about it. How in the heck are they expecting people to live, the price of food is going to go up, the price of goods are going to go up. And people are going to lose their homes etc because of this, not to mention some may dang near starve because they cannot afford food (those on fixed incomes, SSI etc.) Hey why don't the powers that be get off their butts and do something to protect their own people, that's what they are supposed to do in the first place. Right now I know what we're gonna be putting our money into. We'll buy that nice mustang we've always wanted. Heading straight to the Bureau of Land Management and looking for a sleek black with no white markings and a strong build. (a horse for those who didn't get the joke).
    Posted by: SICK OF THIS Location: OMAHA on May 13, 2008 at 11:09 AM
    When is something going to be done about this? The price of fuel effects everything from food prices to entertainment. The government issued incentive checks, well I guess I know what I'll be spending mine on.
    Posted by: Hoping for $6 on May 13, 2008 at 11:02 AM
    Around $6 a gallon will get people to start to do something about this. This government of ours is full of criminals.
    Posted by: Suzee Location: Omaha on May 13, 2008 at 10:50 AM
    I would almost bet that 1/2 the price on a barrel of crude oil is profit in someone's pocket.....how sad that the President has let this get out of control like it has!! Pretty soon, we'll all be walking or riding bicycles to get around!
    Posted by: w Location: midtown on May 13, 2008 at 10:49 AM
    isin't funny how Nixon was the only president with the guts to do a price freeze. I would love to see the oil president Bush do a freeze on gas prices. I heard he made a deal to close a drilling station or a refinery in Alaska so he could sell T-bills to oil producing countries. Reopen the place and sell the oil to America. Stop putting money in your pocket at the expense of the People.
    Posted by: w Location: midtown on May 13, 2008 at 10:44 AM
    Thanks to all the day traders that just want to get rich. Supply and demand doesn't mean the same as it used to due to day traders. Gas is there and people are using less but greed wins.
    Posted by: Lori Location: omaha on May 13, 2008 at 10:38 AM
    What chaps ME is the gasoline they are spiking the prices on (based on the price of crude oil) was refined MONTHS ago. The price of a barrel of crude should have NO bearing on the price of gasoline already refined and DELIVERED to the stations long ago. Why can't we get a price regulation on gasoline? They did it back in the 1970s...
    Posted by: Cathy Location: Omaha on May 13, 2008 at 10:27 AM
    And the reason this time - earthquake in China?
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