I am starting this thread to debate this comment from
Paladin ElspethQUOTE
Yeah, and that pipeline burst in Phoenix is going to affect gasoline prices all over the country that much, right???
Gas prices are up because the companies can raise prices with impunity, citing any and every excuse under the sun to get that extra pound of flesh from people who depend on gasoline-powered transportation. And gasoline prices have been rising steadily, so it is neither the pipeline nor the upcoming holiday that is truly to blame for the price rise.
The local SHELL gas station in my town has lowered it prices from $1.75 to $1.60 in one day. Doesn't look like it's rising to me.
Actually, no the pipeline burst in Arizona didn't affect the whole country but it did most of the south western states and California. The shutdown of the 15 oil refineries in the East Coast, though, casued a shortage in the Eastern states.
If anyone wants to join in the discussion, here the question:
What has caused the Gas Prices to go so high?