Gas at $2.00 Per Gallon May Seem Cheap by Autumn (industry analyst)

KOMO News 1000 ^ | May 2, 2004 | Byan Johnson

[threat matrix]

A gasoline industry analyst, Tim Hamilton of AUTO-an organiztion serving independent gas stations-is predicting the high gas prices of today will be the bargains of tomorrow.

The problem, Hamilton says, is Shell's plan to close its refinery in Bakersfield, California, and ship Washington refinery gas to California.

Shell says the problem is a shortage of crude oil.

The claim is disputed by some California state officials and by two refinery workers who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The two say supervisors have told them that if retail prices are $2.00 per gallon or more they can make more importing gas from other areas.

Hamilton's prediction: prices will hit $2.25 to $2.50 a gallon by summer and even higher next year.

[threat matrix]

I remember it at 2.79 in the SF area..highest last time

[norraad]

Oh, man, what crap, they always float stories like this hoping for media traction to price support.

Oldest trick but still seems to work.

[threat matrix]

Northern California always seems to get hit the hardest.

[lelio]

And we should take Shell's word on anything after their recent reserves scandal why?

[norraad]

Partly because the "sheeple" of the area are the easiest to fool.

Liberals.

[threat matrix]

Point taken..

[paul544]

I don't see our President doing much about it either.

[threat matrix]

They only use bikes and Prius cars in Bezerkely..

[threat matrix]

Drilling in the Artic Reserve would be a good start.

[Comus]

Anyone here know when the last integrated, crude oil to gasoline refinery was built in the US? I'll give you a hint, US population was under 200 million, most families had one car and PC's had not been thought of.

[paul544]

It might, but how many years down the road would that even make a dent in supply?

[Recovering_Democrat]

whatever happened to that secret deal with the Saudis?

[norraad]

All those same refinerys have been upgraded to be able to make better product faster & cleaner.

Most any refinery today can make more gasoline than you will ever be able to use in your life in less time than it takes to read this(about 2~4 seconds).

[norraad]

All those same refinerys have been upgraded to be able to make better product faster & cleaner.

Most any refinery today can make more gasoline than you will ever be able to use in your life in less time than it takes to read this(about 2~4 seconds).

[threat matrix]

Some of the lakes up there are said to have amazing supplies of oil..

[AmericanVictory]

Well, Shell is just the first. The majors have abandoned inland refining and will pull out of most coastal areas.

[MediaMole]

This Tim Hamilton is an interesting guy. He is quoted in news stories as "an industry watchdog for independent gasoline retailers," "FTCR (Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights) petroleum Industry consultant," "executive director of the state Independent Gasoline Dealers' Association" and "a former gas station owner."

Hamilton is described in a column by Danny Westneat in the Seattle Times on April 14 -- "From tiny McCleary, a 1,454-person town west of Olympia, Hamilton runs a one-man campaign to convince the citizens of the West that we are being gouged at the pump."

Most of these stories seem to derive from a press release sent out by FTCR on April 6 where they report on their effort to get California Atty. General. Bill Lockyer to file suit against Shell.

[Alberta's Child]

I don't see our President doing much about it either.

When you realize what it would take for the President to "do something" about it, you'll understand why nobody in public office is interested in doing anything about it.

[John Lenin]

Why is everybody complaining ? Leftist want higher gas prices so more investment can be put into other energy sources. Whats the old saying, be careful what you ask for ...

[Dan Cooper]

Why is everybody complaining ? Leftist want higher gas prices so more investment can be put into other energy sources. Whats the old saying, be careful what you ask for ...

Ahh, but they want the increase to be a tax, not profits to the evil oil companies.