[I am Richard Brandon]

That explains why gas prices have gone . Reduced use = reduced revenues. Therefore the oil companies have been forced (forced I tell you) to raise prices in ordeer to maintain revenues.

[SVTCobra03]

This is why gas prices have gone up:

http://www.latimes.com/business/money/la-fi-mo-gas-prices-20120130,0,3885077.story

http://www.foxbusiness.com/news/2012/01/18/hess-hovensa-refinery-to-be-shut-down-due-to-mounting-losses/

[Deaf Smith]

Incorrect explaination...The #1 export for the USA in 2011?
http://forums.motortrend.com/70/9029124/the-drive-in/us-1-export-in-2011wasfuelwho-would-have-thought/index.html

[Deaf Smith]

Better source here:
http://www.econbrowser.com/archives/2011/12/us_net_exports.html
When the national demand drops, ship the excess supply elsewhere to keep local pricing up.