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What Are Projected Gas Prices For the Future

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by Adrian Fletcher

Gas prices is certainly a topical issue right now. and the number one question is : will gas prices ever go down to the level they used to be a few short months ago? Even if small price cuts are possible, a return to reasonable gas prices doesn’t seem probable. Given the potentially bleak outlook for the economy, the price of gas is rapidly leaving the reach of hard-working individuals who are unlikely to see a pay raise in line with the ever-rising cost of everyday goods.

Demand for gasoline will drop as drivers use their cars less. They may develop more economical driving practices or share journeys with workmates or neighbors. Car fuel efficiency needs to increase, and new alternative fuels need to be ready for mass production. As production of new fuels ramp up, supply and demand for gasoline will keep prices stable, albeit high.

However, one reason that gas prices will remain high is that oil refineries will continue to spend millions of dollars finding new ways to refine gasoline so that it burns more cleanly. This is so that it can comply with the stricter emissions standards required. They also have to train personnel and to conduct research and development for future advances.

You might ask if or can the government do anything to help reduce the price of gas. Realistically this won’t happen since there are both money and political considerations to take into account. And many international considerations that the government could not hope to influence. Ultimately people will have to make their own changes to deal with the rising prices of fuel, and as a result of the record high gas prices, everything else.

People will travel less and spend less, hurting our economy even more, and as the cost of food rises, the quality of food people purchase will decrease which will probably result in higher health care and insurance costs. People will also need to start planning their activities better, for example planning all errands for a single day to reduce traveling and fuel consumption.

The most important thing people can do is to work the democratic process. Make sure your voice is heard by your elected officials. Everyone can complain to their friends and family but contacting your elected official can initiate real change. After all, your tax money pays their salaries, so they should be working for you to represent your interests. The problem is that they are also listening to oil lobbyists, but hearing from their constituents in a large group can make a difference.

Will gas prices ever go down to manageable levels for most people? It seems unlikely, certainly in the near future given the outlook for the economy. A small decrease will be negligible i at all, but if you add your voice to the increasingly large group of people seeking change, it is possible that our national leaders may listen and take meaningful action to stop run-away gas prices.

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Written by Adrian Fletcher

October 9th, 2008 at 3:09 am

Posted in Automotive

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