Personally, I wouldn't attribute gas price rises to actions by speculators/futures traders. However, the opinions of the UK public as reported in the UK press ( More so the "left wing" publications) indicate to me that the actions of speculators/futures traders are negatively influencing prices. I think that supply VS demand is a much more valid reason for price increases. However, I do not speak for the British public. I would say that market forces dictate what the consumer is prepared to pay. Once that threshold is reached, demand will plateau/fall as individuals tailor their consumption to accommodate what they are prepared to pay. Chris C
Deliberate manipulation of the money & oil supply to make gas more expensive. It's this admin's policy that energy should be expensive so that high priced alternative energy can compete.
They couldn't get the "Cap & Trade" (tax on the working guy.... major profits for firms like Goldmen Sachs ) passed so this admin. has stifled oil drilling, and made the dollar worth less.
And jacked up the tax. Both on you and the EEEVIILLL oil companies. ( which like every other company passes the tax on to you. ) see my post @ 9:13 4/30.