When will people learn that the oil companies are the stocks that their 401(k)s invest in. The companies are not “Them”, the companies are “Us”.
There is also a widely held attitude that oil companies should not raise their prices when their cost of raw materials goes up.
We don't ask that of candy companies. Nor do we expect it of bakers and candlestick makers.
But, somehow, oil companies are expected to absorb a $10/bbl increase in crude prices...and not reflect it at the pump.