[templar]

However, if you break it down, the fact is that the cost is probably very, VERY absorbable by average Joe American.

High prices hurt Truckers and others that have to drive a lot to make a living (agriculture as well). Those costs will eventually be passed on to consumers in higher prices for everything they buy, as well as the higher prices they pay to fill their tanks. More money spent on fuel is less money spent on other things, which affects everyone producing, transporting or selling those things. Higher oil prices (which is driving price increases of fuel) also affect the price of raw materials for everything from synthetic fabrics and plastics to prescription drugs. Fuel prices are one of the major factors of general inflation of all goods and services.

[breakem]

Permit one paranoid customer's opinion. The majors will have near record profits for the first quarter. Example, Exxon/Mobil is having the 3rd highest profit of any corporation in the history of the world.

Today is the first day of a new quarter. If they keep up the record profit pace for another quearter there will be a revolt and mucho government regulation proposed in an election year.

They are counting their first quarter, smiling and moving on to normal profit-taking.

[Don Simmons]

You make a very good point.

However, my comment was brought about from watching (insert name of socialist, pinko, network anchorperson here __________________) pitch his woe to the audience about how much "Americans are feeling it at the pump".

There are many more economic factors that can be considered - some of which, like the chart posted above - can refute even the most up-to-date, across-the-board economic factors.

Good input though.

[Ditto]

More money spent on fuel [or steel or aluminum or copper, or rubber, or zinc or chrome, or coal, or natural gas, or any other commodity] is less money spent on other things, which affects everyone producing, transporting or selling those things.

Fuel is simply one component of what it takes to run the world. But it's the only one the general public goes nuts over. I don't see people gnashing their teeth over the large jumps in steel prices over the last year. Those prices ripple through the economy just like gas prices do.