Let me guess? Economics major? or did you miss those four years....
(Hands folding) This is what FR is for: You'll enlighten us all with your blinding economic genius and I'll eat paste. Let's start with 2004-2005 oil contracts and spot markets NOT being manipulated by speculation vis a vis the $110 report, then you'll explain market extremes where not based on rumors of intrigue that never materialized, and how the refinery fire in Houston always justifies a spike, and then you can work your way toward justifying a gradual 60 cent increase across the board since Katrina showed up in Florida, then you'll finish with a simple explanation of $6.79 per gallon "surcharge" in Atlanta for refined unleaded gas bought on this week's spot markets for $1.89.
The world awaits your illustrious ejumication on all things gaseous.
Meanwhile, I'll contend there is coporate looting and the economy be damned.