A Rapid Hike in Gas Prices Is Coming to a Pump Near You

February 22, 2012 RSS Feed Print

Patrick DeHaan is a senior analyst at gasbuddy.com.

The largest refinery in Washington state caught fire late last week, a stark reminder of the possibilities that can play out as maintenance season approaches, and the shockwaves that such events can have on gasoline prices.

The fire broke out after trading had largely concluded for the day—meaning the immediate response was not initially felt at the pump, although prices around the West Coast had already risen significantly in the course of the last week.

When markets opened Tuesday, the response to the newly idled refinery were swift—spot prices climbed 10 cents in just a few moments time. By the time the day was over, spot prices on the West Coast had tacked on nearly 30 cents per gallon in most areas. The massive premium that came as a result of the fire is something motorists should prepare for—especially on the East Coast—as a significant chunk of refining capacity in the area is up for sale, and some of it already idled.

[See a collection of political cartoons on gas prices.]

Motorists are sure to notice the huge spike on the West Coast rather quickly—many already know prices rise much quicker than they fall. Gasoline prices across California could add 3-6 cents a day for the next several days. Prices in Washington state could also spike a similar amount.

With spring well on its way and the shift towards summer gasoline already in motion in some areas of California, motorists shouldn't be surprised in how quickly gasoline prices will rise. Many will call on refineries to increase production—or even to build new facilities, something oil companies find next to impossible. One thing is for sure—however quickly prices rise this spring, politicians will surely make gasoline prices a political hot topic, and Americans may listen, even though refinery accidents and summer gasoline can't be stopped by such people in office.

Be ready, motorists—a rapid rise in gasoline prices is coming soon to a pump near you. 

Tags:
BP,
energy policy and climate change,
oil,
energy,
gas prices

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GREEN DREAMS...

Are, in truth, nightmares.

Windmills and solar panels are destroying thousands of acres here in California.

Wind and solar farms require massive grading and excavation, hundreds of thousands of tons for concrete foundations, hundreds of miles of roads and trenching. What's left is a wasteland of flailing scarecrows, blowing dust and reflective glare.

Animals flee the vibrating, futuristic nightmare or die under the bulldozer - many are killed by the whirling blades. Dozens of eagles, hundreds of condors and hawks and thousands of common bird varieties are killed each year.

Wind turbines kill more birds than even the hysterical Rachel Carson dreamed that DDT was killing. Now, hundreds of thousands of children die every year as the result of her green-dream turned nightmare... and still we can not shake ourselves awake - sedated and numbed as we are by politically correct Environmentalist dogma.

Pardon the digression...

Further, wind and solar power also means that more access to public land is lost - more fences and barbed wire.

All this for virtually no "net" energy produced after we factor in all the energy expended in the mining of the metals, smelting and processing, transport of product to factories, manufacturing of towers, generators, panels in China. Than transport around the world to U.S. ports. Then more transport by truck and rail to construction sites. Roads, massive concrete foundations, trenching, transformer stations, huge power transmission lines, giant cranes and hundreds of vehicles moving crews and equipment around.

In a windy area the wind farms only produce power about 18% of the time and the power is not stored.

More that 60% of that power is "dirty" and can't be used by electric companies, but they must buy it anyway. The purchase of unusable power and massive government subsidies means we all pay more for power.

When the huge subsidies end the "Green Energy" industry will quickly die. Unless Obama and his Green High Priestess, Lisa Jackson, are successful in their attempts at closing down coal, nuclear, hydroelectric, fuel oil and natural gas generation. Then, of course, energy prices will - in Obama's own words - "necessarily skyrocket". Which translates into fewer American jobs because U.S. industry can not compete, and, naturally, higher prices for food, energy and just about everything else consumers need.

In Washington and California hydroelectric dams are being demolished in the name of restoring salmon habitat. Billions of dollars spent in demolition and "scenic river restoration". Also, there's the loss millions of birds, fish, amphibians and mammals which exist in and around these man made lakes and reservoirs - as well as destroying camping and recreational venues.

Environmentalism has become the quasi official State Religion. It controls, media, education, courts, politicians and the bureaucracies of government - at every level.

"Going Green" has gone stark, raving mad.

R.L. Schaefer of CA 11:17AM February 23, 2012

Here is a list of a few countries where the per gallon gas prices are REALLY hurting their economy:

1) Saudi Arabia, Riyadh $0.91

2) Kuwait, Kuwait City $0.78

3) Egypt, Cairo $0.65

4) Nigeria, Lagos $0.38

5) Venezuela, Caracas $0.12

http://money.cnn.com/pf/features/lists/global_gasprices/

O Boy! Bring on those higher gas prices, Mr. Obama!

After all, our national economy is doing just great and we can afford it, huh?!?!

...so says the mindset of the Democratic Party!

Jerry D. of IL 7:54AM February 23, 2012

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