Drivers aren't buying the drop in gas prices

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Wednesday, November 19, 2008 2:35:11 PM

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Drivers aren't buying the drop in gas prices Saturday, October 11, 2008
The Philadelphia Inquirer -- DENVER - Though prices at the gas pump are dropping fast, experts say Americans won't return to their gas-guzzling ways because most drivers assume the dip in prices will be short-lived and have adjusted their habits. "We've been through almost eight years" of rising gas prices, AAA spokesman Geoff Sundstrom said. "Any notion that this is a temporary thing has pretty well been erased." Even automakers that have relied on big trucks for profits are moving in a new direction. Ford Motor Co. is changing from a truck to a car company in North America. General Motors Corp. is closing four factories that make pickups and sport-utility vehicles. It will open a plant to make four-cylinder engines for the Chevrolet Volt electric car and Chevrolet Cruze compact. At least for a while, consumers may continue to see falling prices because oil markets continued their stunning collapse yesterday. Light, sweet crude for November delivery ended the day $8.89 lower at $77.70 a barrel on the New
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JT Moderator	Message Posted: 10/11/2008 7:36:45 AM	Ignore JT Report Abuse
	Saturday, October 11, 2008 The Philadelphia Inquirer -- DENVER - Though prices at the gas pump are dropping fast, experts say Americans won't return to their gas-guzzling ways because most drivers assume the dip in prices will be short-lived and have adjusted their habits. "We've been through almost eight years" of rising gas prices, AAA spokesman Geoff Sundstrom said. "Any notion that this is a temporary thing has pretty well been erased." Even automakers that have relied on big trucks for profits are moving in a new direction. Ford Motor Co. is changing from a truck to a car company in North America. General Motors Corp. is closing four factories that make pickups and sport-utility vehicles. It will open a plant to make four-cylinder engines for the Chevrolet Volt electric car and Chevrolet Cruze compact. At least for a while, consumers may continue to see falling prices because oil markets continued their stunning collapse yesterday. Light, sweet crude for November delivery ended the day $8.89 lower at $77.70 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. It was the lowest settlement price for a front-month crude contract since Sept. 10, 2007. The reduction in driving was noted by AAA in December, when vehicle miles traveled began to slip. Regular gasoline had just risen above $3 a gallon in a month when prices usually fall. By July, regular unleaded gasoline hit a record national average of $4.11 a gallon; demand was down 6 percent from May. Still, for some Americans, the big car is too ingrained as a way of life to let go, said Kit Yarrow, a Golden Gate University psychologist who researches the effects of oil prices on consumer behavior. Visit The Philadelphia Inquirer for full article

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tigeriz Veteran Author Maine Posts:302 Points:73,145 Joined:Aug 2008	Message Posted: 10/13/2008 8:34:13 AM	Ignore tigeriz Report Abuse
	The gov't wont let us have cake and eat it too. We can't just switch over to electric cars and not have electric rates soar with same intensity that gas did.
duriarte All-Star Author Utah Posts:734 Points:154,040 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: 10/13/2008 8:28:51 AM	Ignore duriarte Report Abuse
	skybiker, I think you need to re-look at your research. I think it is a little faulty.
laoloup Rookie Author Montreal Posts:74 Points:25,135 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: 10/13/2008 8:22:00 AM	Ignore laoloup Report Abuse
	Should we burn more fossil fuel and emit more CO2 into the atmosphere? Consume less gas and embrace alternative modes of transportation. Future generations will appreciate it.
laoloup Rookie Author Montreal Posts:74 Points:25,135 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: 10/13/2008 8:16:49 AM	Ignore laoloup Report Abuse
	No matter where you drill and regardless how much you can drill up, the cost of drilling is no longer sustainable at present levels. Hence, low gas price (especially subsidized by the government) is NOT sustainable either.
laoloup Rookie Author Montreal Posts:74 Points:25,135 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: 10/13/2008 8:10:25 AM	Ignore laoloup Report Abuse
	Changing driving habits and making fossil fuel independent vehicles are the new paradigms of the century.
skybiker Sophomore Author South Carolina Posts:168 Points:37,730 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: 10/13/2008 7:45:53 AM	Ignore skybiker Report Abuse
	And these are just the fields we have discovered. Also I haven't even figured in the offshore fields in these calculations. I remember the nuts were saying in 1973 that we only had enough oil to last 20 years and that by 1994 we would be pushing our cars. The doom and gloom environazis are completely wrong on this again. [Edited by: skybiker at 10/13/2008 10:51:07 AM EST]
skybiker Sophomore Author South Carolina Posts:168 Points:37,730 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: 10/13/2008 7:42:50 AM	Ignore skybiker Report Abuse
	The oil fields in Montana and N Dakota is bigger than the Saudi Fields. ANWR has enough oil to replace all the Mideast oil we use for the next 100 years. [Edited by: skybiker at 10/13/2008 10:47:26 AM EST]
skybiker Sophomore Author South Carolina Posts:168 Points:37,730 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: 10/13/2008 7:40:19 AM	Ignore skybiker Report Abuse
	Yeah buy an electric car and then we will watch electric rates zoom
cableman31 All-Star Author New York Posts:764 Points:428,820 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: 10/13/2008 7:36:05 AM	Ignore cableman31 Report Abuse
	Appreciate them while the are here. They might not last to long.
eagleeye2008 All-Star Author Wisconsin Posts:506 Points:109,090 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: 10/13/2008 7:30:32 AM	Ignore eagleeye2008 Report Abuse
	AND.....WHY THE HELL, ,,,,,SHOULD WE !!!!!!
andyrew Sophomore Author Baltimore Posts:226 Points:72,245 Joined:Aug 2008	Message Posted: 10/13/2008 7:27:19 AM	Ignore andyrew Report Abuse
	i see a lot of posts that say 'drill here, drill now, american oil', etc.... but from everything i've seen and read, we only have enough reserves.. MAYBE for about 5 years worth at the rate we use it. so what happens when that reserve is gone? no more drilling here and now. maybe we should use that time (however long it is) to come up with new ideas and not just rest on our laurels, patting ourselves on the back for 'sticking it to the man'
iluna All-Star Author Colorado Springs Posts:502 Points:86,575 Joined:Jun 2007	Message Posted: 10/13/2008 7:22:04 AM	Ignore iluna Report Abuse
	Of course we're not buying it!! The elections are right around the corner & we all know how the politicians are - say anything to stay in office! If this was happening at any other time, we might be more apt to accept that it's for real. As for me, I will continue to conserve & use the money I save on things like food & utilities (there's a nother drain on the pocketbook.) Our utility company informed all of us that their rates will be going up 23%. How's that for taking care of the public?
JPGKC Champion Author Tampa Posts:3,159 Points:571,075 Joined:Sep 2006	Message Posted: 10/13/2008 7:21:55 AM	Ignore JPGKC Report Abuse
	We have to continue to conserve so we can stick it to our buddy Hugo Chavez.
MajorSteve Veteran Author Oklahoma City Posts:495 Points:236,620 Joined:Sep 2006	Message Posted: 10/13/2008 7:19:22 AM	Ignore MajorSteve Report Abuse
	down to 2.39 here this AM
tbybee Veteran Author Omaha Posts:292 Points:107,625 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: 10/13/2008 7:18:17 AM	Ignore tbybee Report Abuse
	Classic example of overpricing a product and people will find a way to live without it. I hope everyone continues to use less and we work on alternative fuels to keep it from ever getting that way again.
w4kh Champion Author Riverside Posts:3,655 Points:639,970 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: 10/13/2008 7:17:42 AM	Ignore w4kh Report Abuse
	When we start using more oil, the price will shoot back up... and, the economy can't really handle another major hit from oil... We need to be serious about finding alternative transportation, much more efficient transportation, and leave the one car commuter in the past!
mplato Champion Author Columbia Posts:1,292 Points:425,230 Joined:Jun 2004	Message Posted: 10/13/2008 7:16:31 AM	Ignore mplato Report Abuse
	with little money because everything else has gone up in price...its no wonder we arn't driving and buying gas Kthyme.....i agree..... Drill Here... Drill Now... Pay Less!!!
BlueTucson Rookie Author Boston Posts:34 Points:382,355 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: 10/13/2008 7:16:14 AM	Ignore BlueTucson Report Abuse
	Interestingly, all of these changes in peoples' behavior were a result of natural market forces. It sounds like government intervention had little if anything to do with it.
Kthyme Champion Author Fort Worth Posts:2,664 Points:875,415 Joined:Apr 2006	Message Posted: 10/13/2008 7:14:15 AM	Ignore Kthyme Report Abuse
	Prices aren't LOW ENOUGH yet! Drill Here... Drill Now... Pay Less!!! ;)
bigwaverider Sophomore Author Orange County Posts:168 Points:51,230 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: 10/13/2008 7:13:00 AM	Ignore bigwaverider Report Abuse
	Politics and big oil. Can the two be seperated? Everyone seems to have their hands in the consumers pockets.
Tonester1 Champion Author New Jersey Posts:3,932 Points:730,365 Joined:Oct 2006	Message Posted: 10/13/2008 7:12:21 AM	Ignore Tonester1 Report Abuse
	I hope we have all wised up not lower fuel prices get us back into trouble. The goal is to eventually not needing any foreign oil. The only way to do it is continuing to use less fossel fuel and develop alternative fuel sources.
sailormon All-Star Author Michigan Posts:639 Points:204,130 Joined:Jul 2007	Message Posted: 10/13/2008 7:11:53 AM	Ignore sailormon Report Abuse
	Hey, I drive a 4 cylinder car because I want to save $$. If prices go down, then I save more $$ to save or spend on things I need (really want)! In reality, I only save $8.00 per week at $3.00 vs. $4.00. But that could be a lunch out once per week! An THAT is a treat these days!
cloud23465 Rookie Author Virginia Beach Posts:74 Points:58,055 Joined:Aug 2008	Message Posted: 10/13/2008 7:09:55 AM	Ignore cloud23465 Report Abuse
	wonder why? they probably cant aford to after paying 4/gal all summer
21597 All-Star Author Colorado Posts:636 Points:207,540 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: 10/13/2008 7:09:49 AM	Ignore 21597 Report Abuse
	Remember the "drill here, drill now" bit? Democrats got worried. They thought that their refusal to exploit our own domestic oil reserves might cost them votes, so they rushed through a bill to open up some of our offshore sites and other federal lands to drilling. Now Pelosi's dog-washer Steny Hoyer is saying that as soon as Obama is elected they're going to re-institute the drilling ban.
PokerAce Champion Author Louisiana Posts:1,456 Points:294,430 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: 10/13/2008 7:07:17 AM	Ignore PokerAce Report Abuse
	Excellent points .... took a fiasco to get everybody's attention ..... Drop, Baby, Drop .....
BigShiggy Sophomore Author Georgia Posts:123 Points:102,000 Joined:Aug 2006	Message Posted: 10/13/2008 7:05:59 AM	Ignore BigShiggy Report Abuse
	Huhuhu, My 7,000 lb truck gets an average 27 miles per gallon. Some modified big trucks can be more fuel efficent than the average family sedan. Quit driving your 20 mpg gas guzzler family car. [Edited by: BigShiggy at 10/13/2008 10:08:17 AM EST]
amacquarrie Veteran Author Nevada Posts:328 Points:76,260 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: 10/13/2008 7:05:10 AM	Ignore amacquarrie Report Abuse
	it's going to rise again.
fastfreddy38 All-Star Author Ontario Posts:851 Points:908,945 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: 10/13/2008 7:04:11 AM	Ignore fastfreddy38 Report Abuse
	Well said!
tomok Champion Author Portland Posts:9,600 Points:718,135 Joined:Aug 2006	Message Posted: 10/13/2008 7:03:20 AM	Ignore tomok Report Abuse
	Only time will tell if gas guzzlers really come back to the roads in a large quantity - I'm sure some have never left... Still have to keep the consumption of crude oil down and the price of fuel down. NO SUVs, Hummers or daily driver pickups..... PLEASE....!
UpSol7 Rookie Author Georgia Posts:21 Points:20,750 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: 10/13/2008 7:01:50 AM	Ignore UpSol7 Report Abuse
	Hard to believe that gas around $3/gal is seeming like a huge relief. Just a year ago that price had the same temporary impact that its soaring over $4 bucks just had. People will resume previous driving habits soon enough, just resigned to the climbing cost.
Chazzer Champion Author Nevada Posts:8,081 Points:1,729,685 Joined:May 2002	Message Posted: 10/13/2008 6:59:29 AM	Ignore Chazzer Report Abuse
	No one is being panicked by the falling pump prices out here in the middle of the Mojave Desert!
Egaser Veteran Author Atlanta Posts:409 Points:162,015 Joined:Apr 2006	Message Posted: 10/13/2008 6:58:52 AM	Ignore Egaser Report Abuse
	Do not get used to these prices,they are only temporary.
CHICOS Sophomore Author Salt Lake City Posts:211 Points:32,510 Joined:Aug 2008	Message Posted: 10/13/2008 6:58:44 AM	Ignore CHICOS Report Abuse
	Yes forever...
az26 Sophomore Author Miami Posts:133 Points:65,630 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: 10/13/2008 6:57:45 AM	Ignore az26 Report Abuse
	im not so sure!
Outie Champion Author New Brunswick Posts:1,174 Points:537,225 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: 10/13/2008 6:56:03 AM	Ignore Outie Report Abuse
	I'm still going to buy an electric car when they become available and affordable [Edited by: Outie at 10/13/2008 9:56:51 AM EST]
BlueLudeDude Rookie Author Raleigh Posts:9 Points:37,905 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: 10/13/2008 6:47:57 AM	Ignore BlueLudeDude Report Abuse
	Prices are are already going back up today, even though here in NC we're still way above the national average.
Gassie1 Champion Author Akron Posts:4,392 Points:563,885 Joined:Apr 2007	Message Posted: 10/13/2008 6:47:05 AM	Ignore Gassie1 Report Abuse
	conservation is the rule
MG_Sputnik All-Star Author Philadelphia Posts:634 Points:441,635 Joined:Apr 2006	Message Posted: 10/13/2008 6:46:21 AM	Ignore MG_Sputnik Report Abuse
	Gotta keep the same attitude we have now. Can't go back to the gas guzzling days.
Retowered All-Star Author Colorado Posts:996 Points:1,086,160 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: 10/13/2008 6:45:59 AM	Ignore Retowered Report Abuse
	Old news.
jadeusa All-Star Author Dallas Posts:917 Points:229,300 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: 10/13/2008 6:45:50 AM	Ignore jadeusa Report Abuse
	Should there be some uptick in the price of crude and then a rise at the pump, there will be even more decline in demand. I can't prove it, but some of the decline in demand might be in China where it is harder to pass on the extra cost. The main reason for production to be done in China was for the cheapest cost.
1bob Rookie Author Albany Posts:27 Points:581,565 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: 10/13/2008 6:45:18 AM	Ignore 1bob Report Abuse
	go back through history - there is always a drop before the election. coincidence?
gasman50 Champion Author Portland Posts:1,314 Points:819,645 Joined:Nov 2005	Message Posted: 10/13/2008 6:44:17 AM	Ignore gasman50 Report Abuse
	No news here
lindseyb Veteran Author Pennsylvania Posts:332 Points:93,140 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: 10/13/2008 6:43:47 AM	Ignore lindseyb Report Abuse
	yea really
AC-302 Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:8,355 Points:1,315,405 Joined:Aug 2004	Message Posted: 10/13/2008 6:42:04 AM	Ignore AC-302 Report Abuse
	Let's hope we can have the discipline as a country to contine our conservation efforts as individuals.
TheFlashman Champion Author Dallas Posts:1,599 Points:249,530 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: 10/13/2008 6:40:01 AM	Ignore TheFlashman Report Abuse
	They will go back up after the election
domer2 All-Star Author Gary Posts:867 Points:378,025 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: 10/13/2008 6:38:22 AM	Ignore domer2 Report Abuse
	still too expensive.
rjoeh Champion Author Michigan Posts:1,151 Points:1,024,470 Joined:Jun 2004	Message Posted: 10/13/2008 6:38:05 AM	Ignore rjoeh Report Abuse
	I'm taking advantage of dropping prices... but not holding breath for how long they will last.
Mazdaman7Q Champion Author South Carolina Posts:3,731 Points:788,560 Joined:Jun 2006	Message Posted: 10/13/2008 6:37:43 AM	Ignore Mazdaman7Q Report Abuse
	Watch my driving now, as I did before this gas gouging
rvnvet70 Champion Author Michigan Posts:1,827 Points:988,300 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: 10/13/2008 6:35:36 AM	Ignore rvnvet70 Report Abuse
	It will probably go up for Christmas.
Crumbfel Champion Author Virginia Posts:4,316 Points:779,035 Joined:Aug 2006	Message Posted: 10/13/2008 6:34:41 AM	Ignore Crumbfel Report Abuse
	Too many times burned to take anything the oil companies say as truth