Why aren't we griping about gas prices?

[Inky_Wretch]

We're around 70 cents per gallon higher than this time last year. But the running "How much did you pay for gas today?" thread hasn't been touched since November.

Are we so desensitized to gas at $2.73 a gallon (higher in your neck of the wood probably) that we don't gripe any longer? Are we ready for $3+ gas this summer?

 

[imjustagirl]

Well, since I was convinced you were wrong because it feels like I've been paying $2.75-$2.90 for a year or more, I guess the answer is yes. To both counts.

 

[Dyno]

There's a gas station in my area that really needs to be investigated for gouging. They are charging $4.19/gal for self-serve premium. That's at least 50 cents higher than the other heinously high priced station about 2 miles away from it. A few miles further, in a neighboring state, I've seen it for $3.09.

I gasped when I saw that the first number was a 4.

 

[JackReacher]

A few months ago, I was driving from DC into Virginia and there was one gas station near the Kennedy Center charging like 3.90 for regular. Not even a mile away in Virginia, gas was at least a full dollar less.

 

[YankeeFan]

I think only Honolulu has higher gas prices than Chicago.

The prices here are insane, thanks in part to a high tax. I can't remember the last time I paid less than $3.00 per gallon.

It's a little cheaper in the burbs, and I try to fill up when I'm out there.

The one good thing I have in my favor is that I charge a fuel surcharge to all of my clients, so that pretty much covers my costs. But I haven't raised it in forever. (I actually only raised it once, but dropped it back down to the original cost after prices came down.)

If prices don't come back down soon, or if as expected they go up for the summer, I may have to raise it.

 

[Armchair_QB]

There is absolutely no reason for gas prices to have jumped up like they have in the last month. They're up damn near .50 per gallon.

It's really surprising that more people aren't complaining about it on here like they did 2-3 years ago. I really have no idea what the reason is people are choosing to ignore this jump. What could it be?

 

[User 1019]

I won't miss the gas prices, that's for sure. It also helps that my family's gas bill has been halved, if not more.

 

[JakeandElwood]

I'm starting to notice it, but it hasn't been nearly the huge jump of a few years ago.

 

[Armchair_QB]

I'm starting to notice it, but it hasn't been nearly the huge jump of a few years ago.

Difference is there is no good reason for it to be happening now.

 

[cranberry]

It's really surprising that more people aren't complaining about it on here like they did 2-3 years ago. I really have no idea what the reason is people are choosing to ignore this jump. What could it be?

My guesses:

a) Global warming was driven down the hot topic chart by the economic crisis, the presidential election, healthcare, the economic crisis, Tiger Woods' maritial infedelity, and the economic crisis.
b) It's no longer cool to drive a Prius
c) Obama'g got it covered long-term by opening drilling in NY Harbor

 

[imjustagirl]

I haven't noticed a huge change here. We've been in the $2.70-$2.90 range for a while.

 

[KG]

I'm just sick of complaining about it. The only thing complaining does is make me stress about figuring out my budget even more, so it's not worth the time.

 

[andyouare?]

In the last few years, Americans have become fond of Middle Easterners and take pleasure in helping them earn more money.

 

[Sans_Serif_Font]

Well, I do drive a hybrid. And I live within a mile of a shopping center and my office, so because I walk or bike just about everywhere I've put maybe 500 miles on my car this year. For the once-a-month trip to the gas station, it's not a big deal to me because I spend less than $30 a month on gas. Those of you driving Escalades and other behemoths have only yourselves to blame.

 

[andyouare?]

Well, I do drive a hybrid. And I live within a mile of a shopping center and my office, so because I walk or bike just about everywhere I've put maybe 500 miles on my car this year. For the once-a-month trip to the gas station, it's not a big deal to me because I spend less than $30 a month on gas. Those of you driving Escalades and other behemoths have only yourselves to blame.

I think people were really punched in the mouth by high gas prices last time. So much so that for the first time, people finally started thinking about the kind of car they drive, how far they drive to work, whether they really need to make that extra trip, etc.

Look at the sale of small cars...they soared. People -- I think/hope -- are smarter about gas consumption. As such, they're dealing with higher gas prices now. Not necessarily liking it, but dealing with it.

If after all that has happened you're still driving that monster 12 MPG car, then, yeah, I don't have much sympathy for you. And I imagine most people won't either.

 

[KG]

I get 17 MPG, and it depresses me every time I go to the pump.

 

[imjustagirl]

I get 18-19 in the city, and it's a sedan. It's not like I drive an SUV.

Good news is I'll only live 2.5 miles from the office in my new place, instead of about 8 miles here.

 

[andyouare?]

I get 18-19 in the city, and it's a sedan. It's not like I drive an SUV.

Good news is I'll only live 2.5 miles from the office in my new place, instead of about 8 miles here.

Did you move partially out of a desire to travel less and spend less on gas?

 

[KG]

I get 18-19 in the city, and it's a sedan. It's not like I drive an SUV.

Good news is I'll only live 2.5 miles from the office in my new place, instead of about 8 miles here.

My 17 is city. I think I get 21-23 highway, but that only does me good on road trips. Everything where I live is city driving.

 

[HejiraHenry]

Answer to thread question: Doesn't fit the popular narrative, without having them evil Republicans to blame.