View Full Version : Gas prices!
I see that at our local Costco, gas has jumped 20¢ a gallon in just a little over a week. Reg unleaded is now $ 3.599 a gallon locally. Is everyone else seeing a similar jump? I can't wait for dryer weather and I will start riding my bike more.
Yep, it went up 10 cents in just two days at the gas station closest to my house.
We went from $3.12 for regular unleaded on Friday to $3.49 on Saturday. Luckily, I filled up on Friday morning.
Just started driving a smaller car to work, so I can be philosophical (smug;)) about it right now.
I heard $4/gallon gas by May. It may get there sooner.
How about $4.73 per US gallon today when converted from litres?
I got gas the other day when it was $3.15, and it is suddenly $3.50 now...Washtenaw County, Michigan
I have seen a $.25/gal. increase to $3.599/gal. for regular unleaded gasoline in the Philadelphia suburbs in the past week. Fortunately, I don't drive much, so it's not a huge issue for me. My 2009 Volkswagen Jetta SE has only 3,009 miles on it. :)
I paid $3.73 a gallon for my last fill-up.
It is now over $4 a gallon in the Mother Lode in California. I drove by a gas station and it was $4.29 a gallon for reg today. That is about a 40 cent per gallon increase since last week.
Wildflower
2-20-12, 6:43am
I heard $5 by June on our local news Friday. :(
HappyHiker
2-20-12, 2:12pm
At the gym today, the TV over my treadmill was already tuned to Fox News--not my preferred news provider. But I left it on out of curiosity, and there was much talk about Iran and saber-rattling about their gas blockade, rising gas prices, and Iran's nuclear capabilities...is it "here we go again" time?
Similar rise at the grocery store. Last month a family size tray of chicken thighs was $1.79 a pound. Two weeks ago it was $1.89; yesterday $1.99. Since this is what I mostly eat, I find it alarming.
Meridian ID (right next door to Boise) last night ... $3.15/gal/reg. About $3.95 for diesel. At least that's what DH said; I never look (I don't drive).
I just paid $2.93 for the low octane grade.
As an aside, I am convinced that price has little to do with supply and demand, but more what the market will bear and what big oil can get away with.
My local station is still at $3.01/gal for mid-grade. Though I know that will go up for the summer. Iran's hardline versus Britain and France has a lot of people edgy.
Iran's hardline versus Britain and France has a lot of people edgy.
I think that's just political talk from Iran. I believe Britain and France shifted their oil purchases out of Iran due to uncertainty and now Iran has put their spin on it.
Sort of like when someone is being led out of town on a rail, announcing that it's a parade in their honor.
Maxamillion
2-20-12, 8:13pm
Gas has jumped up here too about 20 cents. Saturday it was $3.47.
I think that's just political talk from Iran. I believe Britain and France shifted their oil purchases out of Iran due to uncertainty and now Iran has put their spin on it.
Sort of like when someone is being led out of town on a rail, announcing that it's a parade in their honor.
I have to agree with you on this. Sanctions or not, it is very hard to do business with an erratic partner with a collapsing currency. Iran is trying to gin up an external attack to shore up their own failing government.
The hardest part of this issue for the Europe and the U.S. is to deprive Iran of the external enemy they need to keep their government from failing from the inside.
I think that's just political talk from Iran. I believe Britain and France shifted their oil purchases out of Iran due to uncertainty and now Iran has put their spin on it.
Sort of like when someone is being led out of town on a rail, announcing that it's a parade in their honor.
Great analogy, Alan! Will steal this one...
I think that's just political talk from Iran. I believe Britain and France shifted their oil purchases out of Iran due to uncertainty and now Iran has put their spin on it.
Sort of like when someone is being led out of town on a rail, announcing that it's a parade in their honor.
I know that there are small intricacies in who buys oil from whom, but it's my impression that it really isn't a my oil and your oil thing. In the global economy all the oil sold eventually goes into one big oil supply. Iran is going to continue to sell oil to someone, be it China, or whoever. The more they sell to China, the less China buys from other places. And then the more oil other places have to sell to Britain or France or us.
Least that's the way I think of it.
If it doesn't matter where oil is sold, why would Iran say they're refusing to sell oil to Europe?
My point was that Iran's just announced refusal to sell oil to Britain and France doesn't make any sense since the EU announced the prior month that they would no longer be buying oil from them.
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2105153,00.html
The European Union has raised the stakes in the standoff over Iran's nuclear program. E.U. Foreign Ministers on Monday adopted the most far-reaching package of sanctions yet on the Islamic Republic, including an embargo on the oil exports that are Iran's economic lifeline and measures against the country's central bank that will restrict its ability to engage in international trade. European governments have now adopted an immediate ban on all new oil contracts with Iran, and a gradual phaseout of existing contracts between now and July 1. The measures also ban trade in all petrochemical products, gold, precious metals, diamonds, banknotes and coins.
I think that's just political talk from Iran. I believe Britain and France shifted their oil purchases out of Iran due to uncertainty and now Iran has put their spin on it.
Sort of like when someone is being led out of town on a rail, announcing that it's a parade in their honor.
I agree. Result's the same, though. I can't figure out why our prices aren't rising. In fact, the Colorado avg price has actually dropped in the past week. Weird.
Alan, your points are probably valid based on mainstream media. I'm not much of a conspiracy theory person, but read a book called The Tyranny of Oil a while back. It convinced me that there is a lot going on behind the scenes and oil pricing is largely manipulated. My view is that this is political chess, and not economic chess. I will bow out in your favor as I understand few will probably go with my theories.
If it doesn't matter where oil is sold, why would Iran say they're refusing to sell oil to Europe?
I don't think it does ultimately matter where oil is sold, it is a commodity, and the market works reasonably well to redirect supply issues.
I do think Iran is gravely concerned that Israel has three very sophisticated Dolphin-class submarines already in the water which can field nuclear weapons, and two more super-Dolphins on-order for delivery in the next two years, and a third super-Dolphin a year or so out past that. Must be a real bother to the Iranian plans to nuke Tel Aviv.
I'm not much of a conspiracy theory person, but read a book called The Tyranny of Oil a while back. It convinced me that there is a lot going on behind the scenes and oil pricing is largely manipulated.
I believe the long-term trends are based on supply and demand, as you say, daily and short-term prices are highly manipulated.
Let's face it, there's an election this year, and the number of Democrats in the oil business is approximately zero.
1. Gasoline should be at least $50 a gallon, to reflect full cost pricing.
2. I hope for an oil free economy.
3. I can't wait for $5+ a gallon gas, so I can market my hybrid. If you're in the PNW and want a darling, fast & sexy red Honda Insight, PM me!
Oh you poor midwestern folks with your $3.50 gas ;-)!! Here in Calif it's well over $4 for regular - most places around $4.25/gal. Hear it went up another 7 cents last night - been going up approx. 5 cents/day for awhile now. Some stations are already near/at $5/gal in LA for regular and much higher for mid and premium grades. Starting to see food prices go up quite a bit too. Time to trade in the V-6 truck for something more fuel friendly - like my feet :-)!
HumboldtGurl
2-23-12, 12:29am
We just drove from Southern California to West Texas over the last two days, and within these three states, fuel prices never fluctuated more than .05 cents! Normally it's CA where the prices are ridiculous but even in TX we paid $3.99 for diesel, just .20 less than in CA. When TX has expensive fuel, you know prices are going insane.
In CA, two stations less than 20 miles apart we selling diesel...one for $4.19 and the other for $4.87. Now can someone please explain that disparity to me?
We just drove from Southern California to West Texas over the last two days, and within these three states, fuel prices never fluctuated more than .05 cents! Normally it's CA where the prices are ridiculous but even in TX we paid $3.99 for diesel, just .20 less than in CA. When TX has expensive fuel, you know prices are going insane.
In CA, two stations less than 20 miles apart we selling diesel...one for $4.19 and the other for $4.87. Now can someone please explain that disparity to me?
Diesel is now on par - even below - regular. First time that has happened in years - maybe never. This morning I saw regular gas went up approx. 8 cents overnight to an average of $4.30/gal. Diesel was $4.29. I also see pretty big differences in price between competing gas stations. I don't know whay this is but I think it has to do with the price they paid for the gas when they ordered it - maybe weeks before - as well as what they are anticipating it will cost to order gas for the upcoming weeks. One of those "futures commodities" the stock market is always taking wild swings over coming to our local Exxon-Mobil!
Gas prices rose another 20 cents per gallon in southern Ohio today. That's a total of 57 cents per gallon in 5 days.
Gas prices here in SoCal are now close to $4.50 at many stations. Even the cash only Arcos are around $4.30/gal for regular. One gas station in LA, which has been on the world nightly news, is now over $5.29/gal for reg. Crazy times ahead!!
I was talking to DH and he was saying how people here in the US love their cars. They are a symbol of our sense of independence and adventure. It doesn't matter how high the gas prices get, if people want to drive a tank, that's fine. Go to Europe and you see teeny cars. We're the only ones that think you have to sit six feet above everyone else on the highway and have enough cargo space for a few farm animals.
Well, call me one of those in the smug camp, because I admit, I have a Prius, and I admit, I shouldn't, but I get angry at people who are going crazy about gas prices and reducing dependence on foreign oil, but are still clinging to the big gas-guzzling cars.
I'm also a member on the Dave Ramsey Total Money Makeover website, and when they talk about paring budgets, they talk about cutting cable, cutting meat, cutting back on entertainment, but then they talk about a 400 a month transportation cost in gas, and they ask, "Should I sell my truck?" Well, I know that everyone is entitled to their "gazingus pins" but I would rather have a small car and a bigger entertainment budget.
I'm sorry for being judgmental here--I know I am. I do work from home, I do own a Prius, my transportation costs are about $40 a month, so I maybe I should keep my mouth shut.
I agree Cathrine but sometimes you just need a truck. I have a V-6 truck with a shell that gets terrible gas mileage. I bought it (used and cheap) after my 40 mpg Hyundai Accent died. Gas prices were less then and I needed something to travel in, camp in, leave my dogs in occasionally, haul my stuff in, etc... I had also thought of getting a small travel trailer and so the V-6 was ideal. However, now with gas prices going up, I am seriously considering selling it and getting another compact car. The problem is that then I won't have room for my stufff. Yeah i can put my bike and the dog's bike trailer on roof racks but that will greatly reduce my fuel economy. I wouldn't be able to put all my camping stuff in the trunk and still have room for clothes, etc... But, if I ws commuting to work everyday like a "normal" person, you bet cha I'd be driving a compact car - or better, biking, walking or taking public transit if I could. I think you'll start seeing people who don't really need truck or SUV trading them in for smaller more fuel efficent vehicles - just like in 2008 when gas prices were close to $5/gal here in SoCal.
The other day I took 3 musicians over to a performance. Along with two cellos, a viola, and a dozen music stands.
Can you fit 4 people, 3 hard-cased string instruments, and a dozen music stands in your Prius?
After I dropped them off, I picked up a full-sized drill press, a metal lathe, and some steel framing pieces. About 1000 pounds of stuff. Shipping cost on those items would have been $250 or so, I burned a few gallons of bio-diesel instead. After I delivered those, I hooked up a trailer, which I then took to a site and had filled with 8 foot logs.
What does the total environmental life-cycle cost of the Prius battery look like anyways? How does the Prius compare in life-cycle cost to some of the other small solutions that aren't festooned with high-tech batteries and electrical systems? The Mini Cooper diesel gets ~65 mpg, for instance...
I agree Cathrine but sometimes you just need a truck. I have a V-6 truck with a shell that gets terrible gas mileage. I bought it (used and cheap) after my 40 mpg Hyundai Accent died. Gas prices were less then and I needed something to travel in, camp in, leave my dogs in occasionally, haul my stuff in, etc... I had also thought of getting a small travel trailer and so the V-6 was ideal. However, now with gas prices going up, I am seriously considering selling it and getting another compact car. The problem is that then I won't have room for my stufff. Yeah i can put my bike and the dog's bike trailer on roof racks but that will greatly reduce my fuel economy. I wouldn't be able to put all my camping stuff in the trunk and still have room for clothes, etc... But, if I ws commuting to work everyday like a "normal" person, you bet cha I'd be driving a compact car - or better, biking, walking or taking public transit if I could. I think you'll start seeing people who don't really need truck or SUV trading them in for smaller more fuel efficent vehicles - just like in 2008 when gas prices were close to $5/gal here in SoCal.
See, I knew I shouldn't have said anything--I don't want to offend you guys--Spartana and Bae, I think you've more than paid your simple-living dues. It's not you I get mad at: It's other people who have only big cars because they want to feel safe on the road, and they have four wheel drive even though they live in Florida, and they are like my colleague, who worked for me in Corporate and was so proud of his Lexus SUV, simply because it was a Lexus SUV.
Some of the people you see out there driving large vehicles may very well be stuck with it. A preponderance of people are now looking at downsizing rather than upsizing, so it's harder to sell a big vehicle and more expensive to buy a small one than it would have been a few years ago.
You didn't offend me at all - I was just saying that many people, due to lifestyle, find it difficult to downsize to a small car. I've been crunching the numbers and, with gas being so high, I have come to the conclusion that it would be more economical for me to just get a small car and stay at budget motels when travelling instead of trying to camp - and bring all my gear - when travelling in the truck. I'm even looking into channelling my inner SimplyGib (i.e. Gary) and giving up any vehicle for travelling and doing it solely by bicycle - towing the dog and my stuff in the bike trailer. Would love to find a way to do what I want - with the dog - and be totally UNdependent on fuel prices.
Also am considering getting another motorcycle (I know a simple liver in Oregon who owns a Yamaha shop and will get me a good deal - right Greg44 :-)!) but haven't thought of a way I could do that comfortabliy with my dog. Although two dogs on a motorcycle might be doable :-):
Adorable.
http://www.simplelivingforum.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=709&d=1330199428[/QUOTE]
Some of the people you see out there driving large vehicles may very well be stuck with it.
The past few years, I have seen an uncommonly-high number of nearly-new large pickup trucks for sale at bargain prices around here. I think people are indeed attempting to downsize, or simply going out of business.
Wildflower
2-26-12, 5:36am
We currently have a truck that we've had for a few years now. A Chevy Silverado that was paid for a long time ago, runs great, mechanically superior in our opinion, and does everything we need it to do. We only have one vehicle now since DH retired from his 9 to 5 job. We have run the numbers on buying a small car and we are better off financially to keep driving the old truck and simply conserve on our driving, as we have already been doing for a very long time. DH is a woodworker and all around handyman. He needs this truck to deliver the furniture he has built to individuals and stores, plus haul his tools and what not when he is working on customers home repair jobs.... And it is nice when our DD is here visiting with our grandkids in the summertime that we can load everyone in one vehicle to go to the zoo, park, etc. instead of having to take 2 small cars....
The past few years, I have seen an uncommonly-high number of nearly-new large pickup trucks for sale at bargain prices around here. I think people are indeed attempting to downsize, or simply going out of business.
It's quite rare that it pays to sell a serviceable vehicle to save on gas. I ran the numbers when I ended up having to do a long commute with a vehicle getting about 22 mpg. It didn't begin to make sense unless gas went well over $5.00 a gallon.
We have a well-maintained second vehicle that has basic insurance for about $45.00/month. If I limit driving as much as I can (which I do) the costs to own it stay so low that it makes little sense to get rid of it. The issue is my husband, who still commutes about 25 minutes each way. It would be good to have something more economical for him. We'll see.
HumboldtGurl
2-26-12, 3:22pm
Well, call me one of those in the smug camp, because I admit, I have a Prius, and I admit, I shouldn't, but I get angry at people who are going crazy about gas prices and reducing dependence on foreign oil, but are still clinging to the big gas-guzzling cars.
Hey Catherine I totally get it, and I'm not mad even though I own a Dodge 4x4 2500 diesel....but I just wanted to say.....I used to be in that mindset too when I lived in San Francisco and rode a bike everywhere. I thought the entire world should be that way! I never even owned a car for 10 years, until we moved to the country.
But then I realized that when you live rural, you really do need a truck, because how else will you haul provisions to and from the big city? And if you don't have a truck, you'll always end up mooching off your friends (we did for a while when we made the mistake of moving to Humboldt with a Saab!). Once we got a truck, we actually consolidated all the trips we had to make by having one big truck to carry our crap. So for most people the truck will reduce their carbon footprint.
And while we're talking about trucks, carbon footprints and Pius cars (oops!, I meant Prius :laff: ), I read somewhere that a Prius and hybrids in general actually have a larger carbon footprint than maximizing the life of a used vehicle, once you factor in all the resources it takes to make a new hybrid.
Just something to think about. And I"m not mad, really!
Just something to think about. And I"m not mad, really!
Thanks, HG--I know I sound judgmental, and who am I to talk--I live in a three bedroom house, with at least three rooms that get very little use, but have to be heated, so I am a bit of a hypocrite, and I agree that buying a used car would be better than buying a new car in terms of overall environmental impact--but the fact is the trend in the US, as always, is bigger is better, even if there is no practical reason for going big--and I guess I'm railing against that attitude more than anything else. And that attitude does NOT define anyone on this board. But y'all are right--time to stop taking everyone's inventory.
HumboldtGurl
2-26-12, 6:52pm
Thanks, HG
No problem! I just cracked up because the pre-truckster me could totally understand.
I travel a lot around the country, and one thing I"ve observed is a LOT of smart cars on the road, which is terrific! Way, way more than just a few years ago. Another things is, Hummers are RARE these days. So there is definitely something in the air...attitudes are changing.
I travel a lot around the country, and one thing I"ve observed is a LOT of smart cars on the road, which is terrific!
I don't know about that, I think you get a lot more value out of a VW diesel, or a Mini Cooper, or a FIAT 500, or a Hyundai, or a ...
Here's an article that includes some interesting info on gasoline prices, "55 Reasons Why The U.S. Economy Is NOT On The Right Track In 2012". See numbers three and four - gas is at nearly $6 a gallon in Florida:
http://etfdailynews.com/2012/02/23/55-reasons-why-the-u-s-economy-is-not-on-the-right-track-in-2012-gld-spxu-xlf-skf-faz-tza/
I don't know about that, I think you get a lot more value out of a VW diesel, or a Mini Cooper, or a FIAT 500, or a Hyundai, or a ...
I agree. I think dinky Smartcars are great for those tiny roads in Europe - where even the "big" trucks are smaller than an American mini van. But here is the USA, I'd be very concerned about getting squashed in a Smartcar! Plus, they really don't get that great of gas mileage - less than a hybrid and probably close to a compact Hyundai - and they cost alot. So for my moolah, I would get an inexpensive Hyundai Accent sedan (like I recently had) or a Ford Focus sedan PZEV (partial zero emissions vehicle - emissions on par with hybrids) like I had before the Hyundai. each had 4 doors and a sizable truck (Focus trunk is huge), got around 40 mpg and cost a fraction of what a Smartcar or hybrid costs. And I won't get (too) squished out on the highway by a giant SUV or truck :-)!
For now - with gas prices still rising fast - I will keep my truck. I took the shell (with a set of racks on it) off of it and put the tonneau top on. That'll get me around 20 mpg around twon - maybe 25 on the freeway (maybe...). But mainly I am just driving LOTS less.
Smart Car Gas Mileage
These cars get excellent gas mileage at around 40 MPG, and they weigh 700 pounds less than almost any other American car. They're also cheap! At $12,000, almost anyone can afford a new one. (from a smartcar website) Although, when I looked up the prices they were around $19K.
Looked up the price on a new 2012 Smartcar and it is around $12K. MPG is bad for such a small car though so I would stick with an equally priced same mpg Hyundai Accent or Kia Rio at al:
MSRP: $12,490
Base Engine: 1.0L L3 70HP
Fuel MPG: 33 city / 41 hwy
Bodystyle: Convertible
No problem! I just cracked up because the pre-truckster me could totally understand.
I travel a lot around the country, and one thing I"ve observed is a LOT of smart cars on the road, which is terrific! Way, way more than just a few years ago. Another things is, Hummers are RARE these days. So there is definitely something in the air...attitudes are changing.
I'm wary enough on the freeway without driving it in a motorized ski boot. Good grief.
Around town, fine.
I'm wary enough on the freeway without driving it in a motorized ski boot. Good grief.
Around town, fine.
Well it's one way to keep on a diet - if you eat too much you can't fit into the dern thing! I think for around town I'd get a small electric vehicle - one of those little golf cart things. Pimp it out and cruise the 'hood here in the LA area!
Let's get serious. Happy motoring may very well be a thing of the past, regardless of how ridiculous the vehicle. We really CAN live without cars. Many of my ancestors got along just fine without any.
http://www.latimes.com/business/money/la-mo-gas-prices-20120227,0,6492695.story
Wildflower
3-1-12, 12:33am
Let's get serious. Happy motoring may very well be a thing of the past, regardless of how ridiculous the vehicle. We really CAN live without cars. Many of my ancestors got along just fine without any.
So we all go back to owning horses or what? Wouldn't work for most people. :) I would be happy to walk or ride a bike, if I could, but my spinal disease keeps me from walking more than a few feet these days or riding a bike. Maybe my ancestors were healthier than I or they just died much younger...
That being said I do think things will change alot if gas prices keep going up. Most will conserve their driving to the bare minimum which is something DH and I are already doing, and traveling, including air travel, will become a thing of the past for many. Prices for everything will continue to rise as well, which will cause many more to lose their jobs, and lead to most everyone being conservative with their finances. Many other changes too I think, are on the horizon. Some good maybe, some not so good...
So we all go back to owning horses or what? Wouldn't work for most people. :)
The Amish in my neck of the woods do just fine with horses.
Aside from that, there are other modes of transportation such as adult tricycles, cabs, trains, and buses. A neighbor directly across the street is picked up by a reasonably priced community bus service several mornings a week to go for kidney dialysis. I have personally and seriously considered getting rid of my car (a very trustworthy but ancient Honda) and take cabs or rental cars instead. My old, paid-for car still costs me around $4,000 a year in maintenance, insurance, and licensing fees.
My point is that we, as a nation, are heavily oil dependent and that's going to end soon, whether we like it or not. Be prepared. Gasoline is soon going to be a luxury few can afford.
I would be happy to walk or ride a bike, if I could, but my spinal disease keeps me from walking more than a few feet these days or riding a bike. Maybe my ancestors were healthier than I or they just died much younger...
I can sympathize with that. I have a permanent back injury from working in a nursing home. I'm also very, very blessed that walking helps to alleviate the pain. The point I'm trying to make is that we all need to think up ways of getting around other than by individually owned cars. Could you carpool with a neighbor or pay for the gas and have someone drive you? Is there a local cab company? Community transportation for the elderly or disabled? If those services are availabe, vote with your dollars and support them!
That being said I do think things will change a lot if gas prices keep going up. Most will conserve their driving to the bare minimum which is something DH and I are already doing, and traveling, including air travel, will become a thing of the past for many. Prices for everything will continue to rise as well, which will cause many more to lose their jobs, and lead to most everyone being conservative with their finances. Many other changes too I think, are on the horizon. Some good maybe, some not so good...
I fully agree.
gimmethesimplelife
3-1-12, 10:42am
I don't mean to get too far off topic here but.....reading these posts makes me think of a situation that happened when I was 18 - during a whole different economy and a whole different energy scenario. I was riding my bike home one night from a department store where I worked and these two guys I went to high school with pulled up to me - this was about six months after I had graduated - and said in the most judgemental tones - "YOU MEAN YOU DON'T HAVE A CAR YET???" I look back onto that and there's a small unhealed part of me that feels joy in rising gas prices. That one statement right there to me personifies a lot of what is wrong with Western society. But the healed part of me will cringe at higher prices for everything - but maybe that even has a silver lining. If we truly do go back to more local goods, would there not be more entrepreneurial possibilities? And maybe corporations, at least in their current form, would lose some power? I can hope, anyway.....Rob
The Amish where I used to live do just fine with horse power, till they had to actually go somewhere far say or needed a large supply of building materials. Then it was locals with trucks that took them places. My wonderful neighbor was always on call for a few Amish families, if a child needed to get to the doctor/hosiptal or such. So even they used cars in one way or another.
I really do not expect people to give up gas powered transportation in my life time, till it is so ridiculous in price that it is "really" a choice of bread or gas. Or till it is mandated by the government, which I do not see happening. 6 years ago I jumped on the band wagon, I bought an electric car a GEM. Oh I felt so special, more smiles per mile I would say. I live in the cold land of MI. The car can not run below 50 degrees, so that wipes out most the year. The Batteries are only good short time 25 miles and sort life expectancy and need to be replace at $1,600 every two years. 35 mile and under roads only. Ok the really cute toy is sitting in the garage now, I have not used it is two years. I also that year got a hybrid Civic, winter the milage cut back to a good mpg not hybrid level. I now drive a Smart. That year I got a scooter too, fun but again not winter material. I found just driving less, biking more is the key for me.
Bastelmutti
3-1-12, 12:04pm
Well, both the truckers and the Prius owners can have a little laugh at me - I drive a very unhip, beat-up, gas guzzling 12-year-old minivan. BUT I need to transport people, not stuff, i.e., up to 5 kids multiple times per wk. And parents these days aren't really too happy with the pile-a-six-person-family-into-the-four-seater-Buick method my family used when I was a kid. It works & we will try to keep this car until we run it into the ground, having seen all the Toyotas in our family go to well over 200k miles. Luckily, DH can do his commute in a much smaller and more efficient Matrix, and I try to limit my driving.
BTW, here in my corner of the Midwest, I saw the number $4 on the local gas station sign yesterday. Not sure how much over $4 it was - I still have 1/2 tank, so I wasn't paying close attention. Illinois often has the most expensive gas in the country.
Let's get serious. Happy motoring may very well be a thing of the past, regardless of how ridiculous the vehicle. We really CAN live without cars. Many of my ancestors got along just fine without any.
http://www.latimes.com/business/money/la-mo-gas-prices-20120227,0,6492695.story
I think more people would like to be able to live comfortably without gas. Unfortunately many cities aren't set up to support that. For instance, I live in an older part of town, that at one time centered on a downtown, where you could get groceries, car repair, pay bills, eat out, go to the hardwared store, buy clothes. But the era of the freeway (CARS!) did it in. Now all the businesses are on the far ends of town near the two freeway exits. It's not convenient to not have a car and much harder. The streets aren't set up for safe or happy walking or cycling. If you do either, you either put your life at risk, or walk on ugly sidwalks, through tough parts of town, inhaling the car fumes that traveling right next to you. Walking in my town is not pleasant experience.(for me anyway.) I won't even walk in town for exercise. I use the CAR to DRIVE somewhere pleasant to walk.
BTW, here in my corner of the Midwest, I saw the number $4 on the local gas station sign yesterday. Not sure how much over $4 it was - I still have 1/2 tank, so I wasn't paying close attention. Illinois often has the most expensive gas in the country.
Are you sure? Here in Southern Oregon, It's 4.00 a gallon now. And about 4.35 in neighboring California. Washington is in the same place.
I'm a little discouraged by the sudden rise in gas prices. We're scheduled to take the grandkids down to Texas in the motorhome next month during their spring break. Approximately 2000 miles round trip at somewhere around 9 miles per gallon equals about $900 in just gasoline at $4 per gallon.
We have another trip to Maine scheduled over the summer. If gas gets to $5 per gallon by then, as many people project, that'll be nearly $1500 in gas alone. <shudder>
The Amish where I used to live do just fine with horse power, till they had to actually go somewhere far say or needed a large supply of building materials. Then it was locals with trucks that took them places. My wonderful neighbor was always on call for a few Amish families, if a child needed to get to the doctor/hosiptal or such. So even they used cars in one way or another.
Driving Amish is a thriving business around here and they too pay the price in higher prices for products they buy shipped by gasoline motorized transportation. They also buy gasoline for the gas powered generators/equipment and they all have them.
I've noticed that even though gas prices are on the rise that diesel is not which is good news for products delivered by diesel trucks.
Bastelmutti
3-1-12, 1:38pm
Are you sure? Here in Southern Oregon, It's 4.00 a gallon now. And about 4.35 in neighboring California. Washington is in the same place.
Yeah, I just looked up my local station. $4.13 today. Gas is expensive in Illinois and especially Chicago.
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-06-19/business/ct-biz-0619-bf-gasoline-20110619_1_prices-rocket-gas-prices-crude-oil-prices
Lucky us!
Let's get serious. Happy motoring may very well be a thing of the past, regardless of how ridiculous the vehicle. We really CAN live without cars. Many of my ancestors got along just fine without any.
http://www.latimes.com/business/money/la-mo-gas-prices-20120227,0,6492695.story
Oh I wasn't joking. My step-sister lived in one of those very large fancy gated communities here in SoCal (Canyon Lake) that was spread out over several miles. Residents were allowed to drive electric golf carts everywhere in the community as well as to the many shops within a couple of miles outside the community. Because it was a place with lots of young families, as well as on a big golf course and lake, almost everyone would pimp out their golf carts and drive them every where. Some people evn got DUI's in their golf carts driving home from the clubhouse after one to many. It was pretty hilarious! But it kept high polluting, gas guzzling vehicle use down greatly. I think if more communities and cities allowed the use of inexpensive electric vehicles like golf carts, it would greatly reduce our need for oil since many people really only need to drive locally to get places. Unfortunately, most cities don't allow the use of electric golf carts on city streets even if they are equipted with all the safety features like seat belts. Pimping them out could be optional of course :-)! Also, the gated seniors community my mom lived in - a big place spread out over several miles - allowed golf carts on their roads and outside the community. It was a great way for many elderly and often disabled people to get around and live a more involved and active life then if they could only walk. many of you may remember the GEM electric vehicle: www.goautoelectric.com
I think more people would like to be able to live comfortably without gas. Unfortunately many cities aren't set up to support that. For instance, I live in an older part of town, that at one time centered on a downtown, where you could get groceries, car repair, pay bills, eat out, go to the hardwared store, buy clothes. But the era of the freeway (CARS!) did it in. Now all the businesses are on the far ends of town near the two freeway exits. It's not convenient to not have a car and much harder. The streets aren't set up for safe or happy walking or cycling. If you do either, you either put your life at risk, or walk on ugly sidwalks, through tough parts of town, inhaling the car fumes that traveling right next to you. Walking in my town is not pleasant experience.(for me anyway.) I won't even walk in town for exercise. I use the CAR to DRIVE somewhere pleasant to walk.
I think you are absolutely right and these are the very things we need to work on changing. I'm blessed to live not very far from a town with a downtown that's still alive, despite all the shopping centers within a few miles. I'm personally committed to making things more local, and just sent our Town Council President an article that Stellla posted on the repurposing of shopping centers. (There's one within a mile of my house that's stone dead. Safeway and Sears both abandoned the community.) I'm happy to say he was appreciative.
I am also blessed to have neighbors who look out for one another without being intrusive. Grab all the good stuff you can and build on it!
I have a GEM. I have to register, insure and plate it is not considered a golf cart. But when I drive it every assumes it is a golf cart.
I'm a little discouraged by the sudden rise in gas prices. We're scheduled to take the grandkids down to Texas in the motorhome next month during their spring break. Approximately 2000 miles round trip at somewhere around 9 miles per gallon equals about $900 in just gasoline at $4 per gallon.
We have another trip to Maine scheduled over the summer. If gas gets to $5 per gallon by then, as many people project, that'll be nearly $1500 in gas alone. <shudder>
YIKES!! Maybe it's time to leave the RV at home and drive a car instead and stay at motels with the grandkids - get 40 mpg instead of 9 mpg! What a savings. When I thought of getting either a small RV or a travel trailer to tow behind my truck, I crunched the numbers and it would be MUCH cheaper to drive a compact car and stay at motels compared to fuel for even a small RV and nightly RV camp sites. And that wasn't even including in the cost to buy the RV. Of course you could always trade the motorhome in for a diesel one but I don't think you'll get a very good deal right now. I'm leaving to go skiing in the Sierras in Sat. and gas is so high here - hitting $4.50 at many places - that I'm renting a compact car instead of driving my truck. The price to rent the car for a week will be made up for by not having to pay as much for fuel since my truck only averages between 18 - 20 mpg and the compact get 40 mpg.
Our prices here in Colorado were $3.30 today. Lucky I guess. We have a very nice network of bike paths that start within a couple of blocks of my house and I can run errands on the bike in decent weather and was able to bike commute to work in my working days.
But when it comes down to it, those short neighborhood trips probably don't add up to a big number. It's trips out of town to visit friends and family, longer drives in our metro area, drives to the mountains, and vacation drives that get me.
I have a few friends who drive mega-pickups and big SUVs and the last time gas got so high it really didn't change their driving habits.
Just under $4.87 per US gallon here, just saying... :-)
In my part of Colorado we're still at $3.08 for midgrade at the Sinclair. But I am not deceived. I know what's coming, and I am ready. The issue is whether my clients will all choose to freak out financially (which would affect me) rather than change their driving habits (which wouldn't).
Wildflower
3-2-12, 12:24am
The Amish in my neck of the woods do just fine with horses.
As long as they don't have to leave their neck of the woods. I often see groups of Amish people at our local McDonalds waiting on a ride to take them into the city. Horses and carriages would be put in harm's way making that trek, not to mention being exposed to some very bad elements along the way...
I don't think people will ever resort to riding horses or in horse drawn carriages again for transportation, at least not in my lifetime anyway. The majority of people could not own a horse, even if they wanted to. Lots of laws where I live regarding horse ownership, including the necessity of owning enough land and a barn/shelter, which the Amish do, but most of the rest of us don't.... And I think if you figure everything in that you need for a horse or horses - it is much cheaper to keep driving, albeit conservatively. :)
Just filled up one of the cars today. Ouch.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-FP5Jn1gWDKw/T3o3FaxywnI/AAAAAAAAE1s/LeCgsATyA-Y/s640/IMG_0595.JPG
$5.03/US gallon today in southern Ontario. It seems that everyone has adapted to the prices as they are still racing around.
It seems that everyone has adapted to the prices as they are still racing around
This is so true this time around. I have been doing some hypermiling to save costs and it really irritates other drivers when I coast into a red light. For whatever reason, the gas prices aren't driving any changes in my neck of the woods. Plenty of brand new SUVs, too. I guess the tipping point will need to go a lot higher to see any changes.
This is so true this time around. I have been doing some hypermiling to save costs and it really irritates other drivers when I coast into a red light.
I can make it all the way down to the village from my house, 4.5 miles, only applying drive power to the wheels of my Mini Cooper for a total of under 30 seconds. The speed limit on the road is 35 mph, and I can meet or exceed the limit most of the way, except for two stretches I slow down to about 5mph before hitting another downhill run.
The problem is on the way back, it's all uphill, and mileage....suffers :-)
Mighty Frugal
4-4-12, 12:26pm
$1.40/litre here today. Which works out to $5.30/US gallon
Although I try to keep my driving to a minimum (to and from work and bi-weekly visits to parents) I worry about the extra costs for our cab drivers and transport truckers. With gas going so high all other prices are soon to follow.
I haven't had a raise in years yet inflation keeps growing
Thank God for these boards!:)
Best guess, How High and for How Long do you think gas will have to go to and stay at before there is a dramatic earth shattering change in peoples habits with gas?
I am amazed I have not heard or seen a change in anyone I am aware of because of the prices. Me I cringe and grumble.
Mighty Frugal
4-4-12, 4:23pm
Best guess, How High and for How Long do you think gas will have to go to and stay at before there is a dramatic earth shattering change in peoples habits with gas?
I am amazed I have not heard or seen a change in anyone I am aware of because of the prices. Me I cringe and grumble.
In a way I hope the high gas prices force some of those surbanites (shudder) to look for jobs closer to home. The amount of urban sprawl we have is ridiculous. I'd love to see self contained cities that can house and provide jobs for its residents. Rather than move up to the burbs for a McMansion yet still commute the 1 hour plus one way trip to the city to work-stay where you live!!
But I worry about the truckers-truckers bring the food and goods. We need them. And also lower income people that this will affect-like the cab drivers.
For me, I made a decision long ago to live where I work. so my commute is 10-15 minutes and once I get home we can walk everywhere
Yes Mighty Frugal it is a two sided blade. Our food costs and everything transported goes up. Moving is not always an option either.I do not have the answers. I have looked at cars lately. It is shamefull what is considered good MPG. I do not think unless it hits and Stays for a long time 6 months or more that people will change their ways.
Gas Prices have been going down in my neck of the woods (southern Calif) the last couple of weeks. They went from a high of approx. $4.50 for reg to $4.15 as of today - even less at cash only places like ARCO where I just got gas for $4.05/gal. Right now there is a big rush to get rid of gas guzzlers and buy better fuel cars but that will change if prices keep dropping and people will start buying big SUVs again. This happened during the last high fuel increases in 2008. Food prices - well prices for everything - have risen preety dramticly too. Those probably won't go down when (if) fuel prices drop more.
Ours is still $2.11 per liter. :)
We don't normally buy gas since we don't own a car, but last week we were on vaca in Hawaii. Gas was just under $5 gallon there. (and diesel just over $5 at most stations) I know that's more then here (SF bay area) although I don't know by how much. Almost no Priuses there, but lots of smaller non-hybrid cars.
It's dropped a little to about $3.83/gallon in Phoenix.
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