Quote from Secretary of Energy Stephen Chu: "we have to figure out how to boost the price of gasoline to the levels in Europe" to make Americans trade in their "love affair with the automobile" for a marriage to mass transit.
I don't think this is a big secret and I don't generally go in for conspiracy type stuff. But I read this and feel like it is an attack on a way of life. Not to mention the potential costs of nation-wide mass transit. I would just assume automobile production continue to evolve into a greener industry than let that happen.
Incidentally, it is possible we could be facing around $5 gallon gas. I will still be driving my squarebody despite it all.
Title: Re: Future of Gas Prices
Post by: Lt.Del on March 01, 2012, 11:42:00 am
Government has gotten out of hand. Politicians force their opinions way of belief onto their constituents. Is that why we hired them? They have too much power. On a state level, the Va governor is going to pass a law requiring ultrasounds to those about to undergo an abortion. Forcing his personal beliefs, not what the supreme court declared in Roe v. Wade, onto his constitutents. What medical benefit is an ultrasound prior to aborting? Too much power. If the person you mention says they need to increase gas prices to more people would use mass transit, that IS a consiracy, but the crazy thing is, they don't think they are doing any wrong. That is how much power they have garnered. I wonder if this person takes mass transit. I doubt it.
Title: Re: Future of Gas Prices
Post by: bladerunner on March 01, 2012, 12:03:51 pm
Actually Steven Chu is Secretary of Energy, so I typed that wrong. Anyway, the quote is a few years old (2008). But if you convert European gas prices and measures from liters to gallons, we would be looking at $7-9 a gallon.
I say keep making Priuses (Prii?) or EV cars and let the pent up demand for fuel drop and let those of us who like internal combustion vehicles keep buying gas.
Title: Re: Future of Gas Prices
Post by: bake74 on March 01, 2012, 01:10:31 pm
Quote from Secretary of the Treasury Stephen Chu: "we have to figure out how to boost the price of gasoline to the levels in Europe" to make Americans trade in their "love affair with the automobile" for a marriage to mass transit.
I don't think this is a big secret and I don't generally go in for conspiracy type stuff. But I read this and feel like it is an attack on a way of life. Not to mention the potential costs of nation-wide mass transit. I would just assume automobile production continue to evolve into a greener industry than let that happen.
Incidentally, it is possible we could be facing around $5 gallon gas. I will still be driving my squarebody despite it all.
Yes and yes. The goverment will try to force us into mass transit. In Cal. this year It will hit $5.00 a gallon in some area's. In Sac. it is already up to $4.15 at some pumps and the warm weather hasn't even hit.
Title: Re: Future of Gas Prices
Post by: Grim 82 on March 01, 2012, 03:31:40 pm
We will see outrageous gas prices because: The US dollar is being rapidly devalued, which makes it seem like the commodity price is going up because it takes more dollars to buy the same stuff this year than last year. The supply is controlled and when strategically manipulated can raise the price of the commodity. Everytime somebody that lives an an OPEC nation has a bad day and it makes the news the stock market takes a dump and the price of gas goes up.
We will have mass transit, and the sales pitch will look like this: We need to reduce our dependance on foreign oil (even though have plenty of our own), we need to defeat manbearpig (Al Gore's imaginary friend global warming, or cooling, whatever it's called this week) and we need to create jobs (TSA jobs because it's not fair that they only get to fondle people that travel by air, they need to invade the privacy of every person regardless of their preferred mode of transportation), and boost the economy (by spending trillions more dollars that we don't have, further ruining the purchasing power (see above) of the dollar).
Or the Mayans could be right and none of this will matter too much anyway.
Title: Re: Future of Gas Prices
Post by: gto109 on March 01, 2012, 04:13:23 pm
I do not live in a city or will I ever live in a city. There is no mass transit where I live unless you count the 4 taxis here. Do these stupid people forget that most of America is rural areas and small towns not the big cities?
Title: Re: Future of Gas Prices
Post by: Cody1018 on March 01, 2012, 08:32:08 pm
Gas is already creeping its way up to 4 dollars a gallon here. At 3.76 so far. Up from 3.40 something just a week ago<---Insane! I found this article that kinda shoots down the prius idea.
Just goes to show that gas vehicals are cheaper to put on the roads and last longer than these hybrid cars.
Title: Re: Future of Gas Prices
Post by: DnStClr on March 02, 2012, 09:33:34 am
Mass Transit in our neck of the woods-
Title: Re: Future of Gas Prices
Post by: gto109 on March 02, 2012, 09:46:20 am
bwhahahahahaha I live just outside of Amish country. I'm used to seeing horse and buggies but those things would defiantly make ya think about passing them then.
Title: Re: Future of Gas Prices
Post by: DnStClr on March 02, 2012, 10:06:49 am
We used to live near Holmes County in Ohio- another big Amish center. Mules are an incredible animal. Much smarter than a horse and will outwork a horse too. Perfect for mass transit. haha
Title: Re: Future of Gas Prices
Post by: bake74 on March 04, 2012, 06:20:03 pm
Don't laugh, one day we all could be back riding in wagons. ;D
Title: Re: Future of Gas Prices
Post by: 78 Chevyrado on March 07, 2012, 10:29:04 pm
I'm not surprised at all by this. My truck will still be mine and riding the roads. All the politicians need to ditch the limos and ride around in prius' anyway. Lets get a law passed to that affect. or better yet chevy volts. see how they like waiting around for it to charge...
Title: Re: Future of Gas Prices
Post by: Gusgus74 on March 08, 2012, 08:45:04 am
I think it's pretty clear where this current president and his party want to take this country. I would suggest that every one here exercise their right to vote this November and hopefully we can change the course that we are currently on.
Title: Re: Future of Gas Prices
Post by: Jason S on March 08, 2012, 09:48:05 pm
What's the carbon footprint on your mass transit system? I'm sure there is a lot of methane released into the atmosphere by those mules, so there's probably going to be a need for some kind of catalytic converter to reduce the methane released. Has anybody even considered the "rights" of the mule?
I'm personally for the "all of the above" package. The U.S. has huge amounts of natural gas, huge amounts of coal, huge amounts of shale oil, huge amounts of oil. Sure you can add wind and solar into the mix, but in the mean time what is the problem with using what is available for use. You can bet that if China or Russia had control of Alaska, they wouldn't hesitate to tap the oil reservoirs. Heck, even the Prime Minister of Canada chastised the U.S. alluding to the fact that the country is being rune as a huge national park where everything is "off limits" when it comes to tapping into our own resources.
Title: Re: Future of Gas Prices
Post by: Grim 82 on March 08, 2012, 10:15:20 pm
The electric car folks don't realize that their batteries are recharged with coal fired electricity, and I get a chuckle out of that. Excelsior!
Title: Re: Future of Gas Prices
Post by: bladerunner on March 09, 2012, 09:57:24 am
The electric car folks don't realize that their batteries are recharged with coal fired electricity, and I get a chuckle out of that. Excelsior!
Exactly. And after the whole Fukushima thing, everyone is ditching nuclear in favor of coal and LNG facilities, which increases our carbon output. No one really seems to care about that though. I am not endorsing nuke power, though I believe when done properly, it is very safe, but it shows that the whole argument against fossil fuels in purely political, eco garbage.
Title: Re: Future of Gas Prices
Post by: PromiseKeeper on March 09, 2012, 11:07:16 am
Gov On a state level, the Va governor is going to pass a law requiring ultrasounds to those about to undergo an abortion. Forcing his personal beliefs, not what the supreme court declared in Roe v. Wade, onto his constitutents. What medical benefit is an ultrasound prior to aborting? Too much power.
Del, On the flip side of this are the insurance and pharmaceutical companies that are dictating our health care. This goes far beyond "medical benefits."I for one appreciate what the Virginia governor is doing. He is no more "forcing his personal beliefs" than the Supreme Courts judges did when Roe vs. Wade was tried. The fact is, an ultrasound will show that what is being aborted is far more than an unformed mass of cells. It is a human life. The Virginia Governor is demonstrating this and emphasizing the value of life and taking a stand against legalizing the murder of unborn babies. Just because something is legal doesn't make it right. Maybe this will allow the parents-to-be to really consider what they are about to do. I believe this is a far more important issue than $5 gas, and I cant afford it any more than anyone else. Respectfully, Scott
Title: Re: Future of Gas Prices
Post by: 74GMC on March 11, 2012, 08:35:53 am
I live in NB, Canada, If I'm over in Maine doing some shopping I always drive over on a empty tank so I can fill up. Gas where I live is $128 a liter, supposed to go up to a all time high of $150 a liter. At a $128 a liter it works out to $448 a gallon. Not looking forward to the end of the summer when it hits 150 a liter. Might have to limit diving my 74, not to happy.
Title: Re: Future of Gas Prices
Post by: beastie_3 on March 16, 2012, 01:15:08 am
I live in NB, Canada, If I'm over in Maine doing some shopping I always drive over on a empty tank so I can fill up. Gas where I live is $128 a liter, supposed to go up to a all time high of $150 a liter. At a $128 a liter it works out to $448 a gallon. Not looking forward to the end of the summer when it hits 150 a liter. Might have to limit diving my 74, not to happy.
I knew it was expensive in the UK, but that is ridiculous!
Title: Re: Future of Gas Prices
Post by: Stewart G Griffin on March 16, 2012, 09:29:07 am
i was listening to Marketplace on NPR and according to it, if you live in houston or the south wherever the refineries are you're in luck. If you live on the east coast like me not so good----because it takes money to actually transport the fuel here.
But they did say prices were going down---for this week anyways.
i'm definitely going to try the grill block idea----stay tuned for that.
Title: Re: Future of Gas Prices
Post by: PromiseKeeper on March 16, 2012, 01:01:29 pm
I live within about 15 miles of a refinery and am paying $3.89 (March 16)
Title: Re: Future of Gas Prices
Post by: Stewart G Griffin on March 18, 2012, 10:48:18 am
The other thing i'm thinking about is tires such as Michelin's XPS rib run pressures at 80psi, yet somehow i don't think it might help. But it might. i'd like to try it.
The other strategy is to go to 195/75 15's or smaller if possible. These would take less energy to turn.
P.S. i'm not actually worried about gas prices now or for the summer; i spend more on groceries per week.
Title: Re: Future of Gas Prices
Post by: PromiseKeeper on March 19, 2012, 12:26:53 pm
There is actually a rolling resistance rating on tires. It makes a difference on mileage, but they are pricey, so you'd have to do the math to see if it is worth it
Title: Re: Future of Gas Prices
Post by: Stewart G Griffin on March 20, 2012, 10:57:20 am
The other, other thing i'm thinking about is, after watching the dodge RAM commercial last night, it occurs to me that ALL 1/2 ton pickups these days can get at least 20MPG, in some cases a little more. GM, ford and Chrysler. Don't know about toyota/nissan but i'm sure they are working on it.
The weight certainly has not changed---if anything thing it's higher. Cubes have not changed either.
Title: Re: Future of Gas Prices
Post by: Stewart G Griffin on March 22, 2012, 12:34:27 pm
Discuss the possiblity of CNG conversion:
Title: Re: Future of Gas Prices
Post by: Edahall on March 22, 2012, 03:56:10 pm
The other, other thing i'm thinking about is, after watching the dodge RAM commercial last night, it occurs to me that ALL 1/2 ton pickups these days can get at least 20MPG, in some cases a little more. GM, ford and Chrysler. Don't know about toyota/nissan but i'm sure they are working on it.
The weight certainly has not changed---if anything thing it's higher. Cubes have not changed either.
Our trucks can get 20 mpg as well. Instead of focusing on engine efficiency which not much can be done there, focus on aerodynamics. Aerodynamics is probably one of the biggest reasons why newer trucks get better fuel economy.
Regarding aerodynamic mods, here are some ideas.
I would first start off with extending the front bumper down to almost the ground and installing a cover that angles downward from the cab down to the tail gate. You can use thick rubber to bring that bumper down. There are a bunch of other things you can do such as using pizza pans as hub caps or rear fender skirts but then the truck starts to look silly. Also, make sure you are using low resistant tall and skinny tires. If your truck is 1/2 ton, go with a 30x9.50 and if it's 3/4 ton, go with a 235/85/16.
Here are several truck that were ecomodded to the extreme to give you an idea what I was explaining. Pay particular attention to the slopping canopy and the front bumper. These guys also smooth out the bottom of their trucks with a pan so they don't need to extend the bumper so far down.
--And oh by the way, that 1994 Toyota T-100 went from 23.3 mpg to 32 mpg at 75 mph. And that truck was a lot more aerodynamic than our trucks to begin with so there's even more gain to be had on our square bodied trucks.
--And oh by the way, that 1994 Toyota T-100 went from 23.3 mpg to 32 mpg at 75 mph. And that truck was a lot more aerodynamic than our trucks to begin with so there's even more gain to be had on our square bodied trucks.
--And oh by the way, that 1994 Toyota T-100 went from 23.3 mpg to 32 mpg at 75 mph. And that truck was a lot more aerodynamic than our trucks to begin with so there's even more gain to be had on our square bodied trucks.
Any fuel mileage figures from the '60's Dodge? If it had the 225 slant-six to begin with, it ought to pull some decent mpg's.
Sorry, no mpg figures for that 60's Dodge.
Title: Re: Future of Gas Prices
Post by: joel on April 04, 2012, 07:40:06 am
ain't there something the government SHOULD do to keep one industry from ruining so much other businesses in lost business? Such as I cant afford the parts i want because extra dollars goes in the tank. I have a daily driver.
Title: Re: Future of Gas Prices
Post by: Stewart G Griffin on April 09, 2012, 10:31:16 am
It's presently $3.97 for regular around here, so let's just say $4. It cost about $48 to fillup(car), but that should last a week. i don't think it's time to panic just yet. i mean i just spent over $100 in groceries.
Title: Re: Future of Gas Prices
Post by: Jason S on April 13, 2012, 08:37:10 am
This was a very interesting article about refining oil in the U.S.
One thing it mentions was the Jones Act of 1920 which requires ships that go from one U.S. port to another U.S. port to fly the U.S. flag and employ American crews. So you can't simply hire any shipping company to transport goods (oil) from say Houston to Philadelphia. Apparently, shipping firms that can meet the Jones Act requirements are in short supply.
Ultimately, while there is West Texas crude that the east coast plants could refine, they can't because of the Jones Act limitations and wind up importing oil from Nigeria.
So while the U.S. is a net exporter of gasoline, the east coast may be having to import gasoline... According to the article, this gasoline may come from Europe. Thus the gasoline would be purchased at their market price with any associated taxes added.
Title: Re: Future of Gas Prices
Post by: Stewart G Griffin on April 21, 2012, 11:16:31 am
Exactly, that's what Marketplace was saying----if you live near the refineries you are in luck, but if you live in say, philly then because of the weird Jones act, it is expensive to transport.
NPR is not all bad.
2) I'd like to make a suggestion and should probably start another thread, and that is to try to locate a station that sells only 100% gas vs. E10/E15. And experiment with that if it is nearby and convenient for you. This may help your MPG.
http://pure-gas.org/
Title: Re: Future of Gas Prices
Post by: Stewart G Griffin on April 23, 2012, 09:18:07 pm
Gas here is currently $3.75. Was $3.78 yesterday. Regular. Meanwhile a gallon of milk is $3.99.
Again, i don't think it is time to panic yet.
Title: Re: Future of Gas Prices
Post by: Jason S on April 23, 2012, 10:01:00 pm
Stewart G Griffin, there should be another thread focusing on ethanol... And maybe another focusing on energy... And another on energy policy... However, starting with small potatoes, the ethanol mandate should be a topic of discussion.
Title: Re: Future of Gas Prices
Post by: 78 Chevyrado on April 23, 2012, 10:19:58 pm
Could be worse, My grandad said back in the 20's, a gallon of gas cost his dad a half a days pay, Which with a minimum wage of $7.24 times 4 hours (though he worked 12 hour days)
comes out to for an 8 hour day: $29 per gallon
for a 12 hour day $43.44 per gallon. that's made me rethink just how bad we actually have it.
I wonder how gas prices from the 1980's vs today compare to the dollar's buying power 1980's vs today. I don't think it's off much, people are just freaking out because $60-$80 fill ups sound terrible. but the dollar is getting more and more worthless everyday.
Slowly going the way of the Deutsche Mark... well slower than the Deutsche Marks did.
Whoever wants to do the math... When I started driving in 1996, I got $4.25 minimum wage and gas cost about $0.80 per gallon, where now minimum wage is $7.25 and gas is $3.80 or so... whats the ratios?
What ratios can you older guys come up with, we know how much it costs now, but how much in the 70's? the 60's?
Title: Re: Future of Gas Prices
Post by: Grim 82 on April 24, 2012, 10:34:36 am
Gas is cheaper now than it pretty much ever was. Debt backed fiat currency gives the illusion of high gas prices, because it takes alot more of our current monopoly money to pay at the pump, when in reality 3 silver dimes would buy you a gallon of gas in 1964, and the same 3 silver dimes buys you a little more than a gallon today.
Title: Re: Future of Gas Prices
Post by: 78 Chevyrado on April 24, 2012, 03:53:43 pm
Irritating part of it all is that unless I goto my regular gas stations where they know me, I can't get a full tank of gas with cash. Have to prepay, I think the prepay is BS since I don't believe gas is so expensive relatively speaking... But I do see it's NOT BS as the general population (the shady side) will think they're getting screwed and steal.
So I try to use my card to pay at the pump, but when I have cash its a PITA. they always ask "how much you want"? I say "a full tank" they say "how much is that"? i say "don't know"
Being the smartalec I am though, I overpaid by a lot one day. They hate making change for that. I told em I got dual tanks and 10 gas cans in the bed, I need $350 worth pump 3. they said ok. i only filled one tank, topped it off. and went inside for my change.... they acted like i was robbing them or something... it was funny. ;D
Title: Re: Future of Gas Prices
Post by: bake74 on April 24, 2012, 07:01:48 pm
Irritating part of it all is that unless I goto my regular gas stations where they know me, I can't get a full tank of gas with cash. Have to prepay, I think the prepay is BS
Welcome to the world us in Ca. have been living with for ever. I barely remember when you could just pump gas without paying first. A year ago I was in Colorado and walked inside to pay, the cashier looked at me funny and said pump the gas then pay.
Title: Re: Future of Gas Prices
Post by: ssapach on April 24, 2012, 08:57:37 pm
In Alberta we still have the luxury of filling before paying. Most stations don't have any restrictions, while others might have a $$$ limit before the pump stops. Then you need to pay before resetting and filling more. It's usually around $100 or so. Some places might have a "pay before fill" policy after a certain time for the night shift as well.
I also forked over the $$$ for a TDI Jetta a year ago. The fuel mileage is amazing for a highway driver, but I still need a truck to do things every once in a while so I'm not totally immune to higher fuel prices. :-\
Title: Re: Future of Gas Prices
Post by: 78 Chevyrado on April 26, 2012, 08:31:41 pm
Irritating part of it all is that unless I goto my regular gas stations where they know me, I can't get a full tank of gas with cash. Have to prepay, I think the prepay is BS
Welcome to the world us in Ca. have been living with for ever. I barely remember when you could just pump gas without paying first. A year ago I was in Colorado and walked inside to pay, the cashier looked at me funny and said pump the gas then pay.
Until Gas hit $3.00 you could still do that around here. See, they did the same thing in the old days EXCEPT it was a full service pump. There was a guy who filled your car up for you right there. I used to $5 and $10 it when i was broke, I can afford as much gas as I want now so I want a full tank. thats all i know.
Only ONE gas station around here has the right idea. QUICK TRIP. they have a card they give you, once you give them your info, so if you do steal, they can find you, and I run it, fill up then go pay. I absolutely WILL NOT PREPAY unless its an emergency and I'm far off from home. (In which case I have plenty on my bank card, but I like making waves) May be dumb, but I will not do it, unless forced to. They ask how much you want? I say a full tank. That was always a hurdel i wanted to pass when i was young and poor, not to $5 and $10 ever again, and I WILL NOT buy less than a full tank unless I'm forced into it. I figured out how to bug them back though. I tell em I want like $200 (and you have to explain to them why you need that much) then fill ONE tank and when I go back in to get my change they act like I'm robbing them or something. It's awesome... ;D They also trip out when I have somebody with me, and can park in the middle and use two pumps at the same time to fill both sides at the same time. "what do you mean two pumps? I get that a lot so i try to find ways to make it harder on them. screw em, they screwin us, screw em back some.
Title: Re: Future of Gas Prices
Post by: Stewart G Griffin on April 28, 2012, 09:38:16 am
Gas around here is still around $3.75 for regular 87 octane and exxon/mobil.
We really don't have very many pre-pay stations around here, except in the inner-city.
Title: Re: Future of Gas Prices
Post by: Stewart G Griffin on May 20, 2012, 09:48:27 pm
Not only have prices gone down lately----$3.56 for regular, but i noticed my mpg is going up. Have you noticed this too?
Title: Re: Future of Gas Prices
Post by: 78 Chevyrado on May 20, 2012, 10:11:55 pm
We shoudl drill here I say go back to the 30's or so and take the same isolationist thoughst as before. Only one thing we would be lacking in. precious metals needed for computer development. We dont need oil. we have a 1000 year supply except for the piece of crap environmentalist who think 42 caribou are more important than 360M americans. they are full of beetle dung. I will punch one of them in the face if i meet them. I promise my truck on that.
Title: Re: Future of Gas Prices
Post by: slammed79 on May 21, 2012, 12:39:54 am
Being in the shape I'm in, I throw about $40 a week in my truck, almost 11 gallons, I miss the days when 40 would fill my tank. Also, all I use is quick trip or chevron gas. I notice worse milage with other stuff. The qt down the street from me is 3.79, and the one by my buddies place is 4-6 cents cheeper.
Title: Re: Future of Gas Prices
Post by: Stewart G Griffin on May 21, 2012, 04:49:20 pm
Well, the good news, if i heard correctly, is that i heard somewhere---i forgot where is that we've discovered lots of oil where we previously thought there was none and now supposedly we are going to surpass Saudi Arabia in oil production.