Apparently the switch from MTBE to ethanol for use as gasoline additives will cause shortages or price spikes. Now we have something to look forward to this summer.
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1:00 pm (reply)
I keep wondering how much of this it will take before Americans a) start driving less, b) embrace the wonder that is public transportation, c) start caring about alternative fuel sources.
1:51 pm (reply)
Well so far, we just keep on guzzling no matter what. Is there a tipping point? We’ll probably find out at some point.
2:17 pm (reply)
That’s it. I’m buying a bicycle. Or a Segway. Or a scooter. Nevermind, I’ll just stay home.
3:03 pm (reply)
There are many places that don’t have a well established public transportation system, so that isn’t really an option. My guess would be that most will not even think about it until gas hits around $5 a gallon.
Even at that point, I need to get to work and don’t really have other options. If it ever got that high, I would really push hard to work from home 3 days a week and then just go in to the office 2 days for meetings.
9:43 pm (reply)
Gas in San Diego is ridiculous, some places > 3.00/gallon. I always laugh at the concept of “supply and demand” economics for oil. It just doesn’t behave like that… demand is hard to decrease and supply is manipulated by oil companies. Whether an anticipated “shortage” due to changing an additive or blaming China or India, or a hurricane, there always seems to be some excuse for a shortage. There is no shortage in earnings from the oil companies though… of course, I’m still driving to work everyday with little practical alternatives.
8:39 pm (reply)