[newcats]

Why are gas prices so high?

Greed...plain and simple.

[alnitak]

You're an idiot. The gasoline retail business is ferociously competitive. If you don't believe me, buy a retail station and add 5c per gallon to all the prices your supplier recommends you charge. See how long you last.

The oil company's margin is usually less than 5c per gallon.

Why do you think all those fully automated unmanned retail stations are popping up? A desperate need to cut costs, driven by a competitive free market.