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Why are gas prices so high?
The answer is quite simple, however the solutions are not. So, why are gas prices so high? Two reasons, one the demand is higher
than it has ever been, two, the supply is not keeping up with the demand.
 First let's discuss supply
The United States remains the top consumer of oil and energy in the world. This has remained constant. What has changed is the
competition for oil. With many countries becoming more developed, primarily China and India, demand is at an all time high globally. As more
countries economies expand, so do their use of oil, for both third world and developed countries.
Supply is also hindered by a lack of production facilities. The top oil producing countries of the world have purposefully
limited the amount of oil they will produce and refine. When a country's economy is based on oil, it is in their best interest to keep supply low
to increase the price it will bring.
Don't simply blame the oil companies and OPEC countries. The United States is also to blame for high oil prices. Not only has
America not increased their refining and producing capabilities, they have decreased them. America had several refineries destroyed by hurricane
Katrina, they have not been rebuilt. Let alone the fact that a new refinery has not been built in the US in 30 years. Also not to mention the
United States refuses to make any enviromental footprint that could endanger the polar bullfrog in ANWR.
Secondly, demand
Since the vast majority of us don't have an oil well in our back yard, we have a hard time affecting supply, but demand we can
control. There are a million little things we can do to conserve energy, we have heard this for years, but still refuse to do little. Yes, we can
drive less, not going to happen. We could use public transportation, not in my rural community. We can install energy efficient light bulbs,
already done that.
The truth of the matter is people do not want to change their habits. We want to go where, when, and how we want. Why are gas
prices so high? Beacause of our inability to change. We have become spoiled by our easy technology. If automakers produce inefficient cars, we
accept them and use them.
There are alternative energy cars available to us. Take hybrids, excellent concept, but they are expensive to produce and buy.
The average consumer cannot just go out and buy a new car. New alternative energy cars are in progress, partly fueled by high oil prices.
These vehicles are still in the development stage and are some years off.
Why are gas prices so high and what can I do today?
Today, based on patents that are 90 years old, there is an alternative to high gas prices. Something you can do yourself to make
a difference. Warning, it will require some time and effort to implement and maintain, but a fraction of the cost in money it will cost you to do
nothing. It IS possible and doable for the average consumer to convert their present car to burn hydrogen with gasoline to increase
efficiency.
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