[70times7]

Over the last six months I have consistently seen stations pop up prices right away when the media announces per-barrel cost hikes. No matter that the gas they are pumping is from lower cost oil. Now crude prices are dropping but the gas stays at ~$2 per gallon. Other than oil companies ripping-off the consumer can anyone explain it?

[been_lurking]

Other than oil companies ripping-off the consumer can anyone explain it?

Economics 101. In a free market, price is determined not by the cost of the product, but what the market will support.

If the market will support $40.00/gal for gas, then that's what the price will be, regardless of the cost of the product.

Think about it, how much does 1 liter of drinking water cost? What is the price of 1 liter of designer drinking water?

[savedbygrace]

Most stations have only a 1 to 3 cent per gallon profit margin. You figure it out.

You're blaming the wrong party.