[Ramius]

I think it's more like people have to buy it, than keep buying it.

I don't know how elastic the supply and demand curves for gas are, but nobody *has* to buy it. They buy it because they value the gas at least as much as they have to pay for it. So they buy it.

I'll back up a little: by saying it isn't a crisis I don't mean to say it isn't an annoyance. Of course it is. But there is an evolving new reality happening in the global demand for oil that we are adjusting to, and there simply is no way around it. Some of the adjustment will come by higher prices that don't come back down all the way. Some of the adjustment will be about changing some habits or changing some things away from oil-power to some other source.

That said, I don't know if the title on this thread is accurate or not, whether the price will go back down under $2. It might. But it might not.

[stuartcr]

Most people in the US, drive to work.....to me, that means they have to buy it.

[P-40]

whether the price will go back down under $2. It might. But it might not.

Hopefully not, or if it does, it is only for a short time. Unless prices stay high, we stay dependent on various third world dictators and head cutters for our fuel needs. Not to mention that the American consumer needs an incentive to get a clue. Drive a honking big vehicle in the city, you will spend a lot on gas. Have underinflated tires, you will spend a lot on gas. Tailgator? Ditto. Leadfoot? Ditto. Failure to plan your routes? Ditto. Failure to consolidate trips? Ditto.

It is hard to have any sympathy for many of those that complain about "high" gas prices. Think a bit and the cost will go down.