The oil companies could score some public relations points by starting a program offering reduced price gas to people on a means-tested basis. The Pharma companies and Walmart did it with prescription drugs and it helped get the RAT media off their backs (at least temporarily). I am not saying they should be FORCED to do it, it would be a voluntary program that would get them some good will.
I think the stockholders would have a valid complaint against any executive handing out free cheese . I mean free gas . Maybe the employees will be willing to work for 1/2 pay .