A Silver Lining?
The only positive to these higher fuel prices is that it makes all the alternatives much, much more cost effective. All of this happened in the '80s and a lot of different alternative fuels (Gasohol), tax incentives, rebates, some regulation (55mph - except Montana!), conservation and subsidies were enacted. This was so effective that OPEC dropped the oil prices until it was no longer cost effective to pursue any of the alternatives and/or conservation. I do not believe that this will happen again because of the current and increasing world demand. We cannot "conserve" our way out of the crisis this time. We should learn from past history, that enterprising individuals and not government will solve this present crisis.
It is interesting to me that everytime the fuel prices have gone up they have always settled on an app. 100% increase. For gasoline: .30 to .60 a gallon, then ~ $1.20 a gallon, then ~ $2.40 a gallon and now ~ $4.80 a gallon. Is it what the market will bear!? Don't get me wrong, it is painful for me as well - more than some and less than others. There are some things I will no longer do and others that I will change. I will be burning wood for hear this winter not propane - had it taken out.
My biggest recommendation would be to start or get involved in a bio-diesel co-op. This is one reason I own an older mechanical IDI diesel. My brother raises a few cattle and has a need for diesel fuel for his farm needs. So, with my help and suggestion, we are looking into growing oil seed crops to power our vehicles, heat our homes and feed his few cattle. It is small scale but this is what has really worked so many times in the past when America was in trouble. American's have been very ingenious in the past - I hope we can this time as well. Remember, Victory Gardens for WWII!? I do NOT have DIRECT experience with this! I am not THAT old!
Just wait until heating season comes this fall! There is going to be some REAL pain at the HOME to go with the pain at the PUMP! All of this is a bad, bad situation especially for anyone in a northern climate on a fixed income! It may be disastrous for many! Do you buy fuel, food or heat!? Which can you do without! And they ALL are going up.
Utilities are starting to pass along higher operation costs due to the fuel costs. It is a snowball effect. And our financial and strategic security is at stake! America destroyed, not by any military, but by spiraling fuel costs all while sitting on top of some the largest fuel reserves in the world! Is this to be our history?!
A side note is that cattle, pig and poultry growers have been selling down their herds/flocks to lower their feed costs and this will cause a shortage of beef, poultry and pork. Decrease supply with a fixed demand and what will happen - prices go up. This will be on top of the higher prices due to the higher fuel costs.
And no... I am not optimistic. I am too much of a realist to be optimistic about this.
93 K1500 Ext. Cab, 6.2L D, 4L60-E, 3.73, 174K, 3" exhaust, air cleaner mod, EGR mod, EPR mod (my toy)
04 Dodge Dakota Sport 4x4, 4.7L (gaser), 545rfe, 3.92, 95K (wife's ride now)
98 K1500 Z71, 6.5L TD, 4L80-E, 3.73, 170K, 2.25" Crossover, 3.0" Down Pipe and Exhaust (sold to brother)