Ike.

[whiltebeitel]

When gas is at $3.67 3 days before the storm, and then $3.99 only at random stations 1-2 days before landfall, it seems to be more than a coincidence. After the storm passes through, high prices make sense because of the reduced processing capability, but before?

[nando]

those refineries probably shut down long before it hit land - unless you think the people working at them were going to stay until they couldn't stand the wind anymore? it's not like they can just push an "off" button and leave 5 minutes before the main part of the storm hits.

also demand spiked 1-2 days before landfall because people are filling up their tanks, extra tanks, and trying to get the hell out of there.

[Dave]

oh god, please provide proof of price gouging - you can't, because it doesn't exist. you're just upset because a scarce commodity that everyone wants and needs costs money.

:finger:

When the market takes $3.59 up to $3.99, I can agree. But when a certain chain (lets call it Shell) had all of its dealers go up to $4.78 for the better part of a day, methinks there is more to it than that. When that chain is usually the price leader (up or down) in the area, but on this day, they only went back down after the others did NOT follow suit.

[nando]

considering oil companies own something like 1% of all gas stations (they are privately owned franchises, think burger king/mc donalds) I'd call your claims pretty much without merit.

[Dave]

Considering you have never had clients who own stations who had litigated claims with the oil companies over issues realted to pricing, I'd say you are talking out of your ass, Chris.

The contracts these stations have with the oil suppliers are onerous. Price is controlled by the suppliers, not the local dealer in virtually all of them.

[PiercedE30]

Yea, most of the gas stations around here have been selling 87 octane for, about, 3.79. There are a few gas stations that still don't have any gas. The only ones that do get it directly, and are owned by, the local refineries.

[archemedes]

considering oil companies own something like 1% of all gas stations (they are privately owned franchises, think burger king/mc donalds) I'd call your claims pretty much without merit.

here the stations who are franchisees don't set their prices, the oil company does (usually shell as they have the refinery here) I know the shell refinery that is a couple miles from my house has been at minimum capacity since june (they truck gas in from chevron to make the minimum orders) our governor told the stations if they went up over $.25 he would have them prosecuted (does that constantly) shell stations complied, the independants not so much

[eyagel]

still dont have power, and just got my net back..

house faired good. fences down, and a couple of branches. thats about it. hope everyone made it through it ok

[Turf1600]

Still no power at my house too. Today is day #10.

[eyagel]

dang, i got a generator

[Turf1600]

Got my power back yesterday evening. Still no cable or internet.