Hurricane Katrina's Impact on the U.S. Oil and Natural Gas Markets

Department of Energy: Energy Information Agency ^ | September 1, 2005 | Energy Information Agency

[thackney]

How much demand for oil will there be IF the U.S. consumer slams their wallets in reaction for energy shock?

When I start seeing Starbucks hurting because people won't pay $4 for a fancy coffee, or when they stop buying $2000 TV's, I will be more convinced there is a problem than just a bunch of complain that the average cost per mile has risen by 10~20%.

[Cobra64]

Modern gas heat is the best, any nay sayers are just jealous.

It's a LOT cleaner. No soot. We've had both. Gas is definately better.

[arkady_renko]

We would stick with our zone system of radiators. Nothing like it...

A_R

[SAJ]

If your state and local statutes permit, look into a coal-fired furnace. Retrofitting to control smoke/soot/particulates should cost well under $1500, the equipment is simpler and will likely be cheaper to start, and the fuel is cheaper by at least one order of magnitude, although you may have to work a bit to find a reliably and conveniently available supply (depends where you live).

Best wishes!

[redgolum]

Interesting. The hurricane kind of throws it off, but interesting.

My only concern is that the economy will start to slide before prices drop.