Compared to the glorious price of $1 per gallon, the cost of gas has become ridiculous in the past three months. Californians are paying more than $2 per gallon now.
In Northern California regular unleaded is up to $2.49 a gallon, according to MSNBC News. Bakersfield and the rest of Southern California is not too far behind.
Gas prices have also increased because of a fear of war. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries or OPEC has artificially inflated prices by cutting production levels, according to U.S. Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham.
Fortune magazine recently conducted a survey to find out which states had the most expensive gas prices. California was the winner at $1.99 per regular gallon, with a tax of 27 cents a gallon. In contrast, gas in Georgia has modest taxes with only an 11-cent tax charge.
Are Californians being taken advantage of by the oil producers? Absolutely! Think Enron and think high energy prices that hit our state last year.
According to KGET.com, U.S. crude oil supplies are the lowest they’ve been in almost three decades.
Students relate to the increase with pain, since it takes $20-50 to fill up the tank. Who can afford to buy gas at such a high price?
We cannot sit back and take these price increases. If we do, the amount we pay for a gallon of gasoline will be $3 or even more by the summer.
If you think you are paying too much at the pump, contact your state legislator and demand an investigation.
The only way for this problem to be remedied is to write letters to state and federal representatives and make yourself heard.