[tcostell]

The role that speculators play in the market and their effect on the price of oil can be found here:

Blame The Speculators!

[Constitutions Grandchild]

Divide $131.90 by 42 (no. of gallons in barrel) which equals $3.14 of the $3.89 we pay at the pump, add the state and federal taxes of approximately $.36 which brings it to $3.50 out of the $3.89 we pay at the pump. Out of the remaining $.50 the oil companies have to refine it and pay salaries. Whatever is left over is “profit”. Now you tell me how they're raping us at the pump.

It's so simple a caveman could do it. What's wrong with Congress? Are any of them smarter than a 5th grader??? I'm thinking the folks running the country may need remedial math. It was my poorest subject, but even I get it.

How simple do you have to make it. Less supply/greater demand from emerging economies who are bidding up the price because in order to maintain their economic growth they must have it and suddenly (when combined with a weakening dollar) you have critical mass. These “pinches” can't be managed to occur when you're prepared for them. We can do a lot in America, but I'm thinking that's beyond even our ability.

[MNJohnnie]

Intresting how everyone is busy looking for scapegoats but never ever blame the Fed and State Govts that make over $1.00 in direct and indirect taxes on every single gallon for anything

[Publius6961]

Blaming the speculators is the dumbest red herring. We certainly have no control over the speculators worldwide, even if our government shot every American speculator in existence today.

The difference would be zip.

So what's the point of repeating that asinine fact?