[FFIGHTER]

The MSM does not address the real issue, not the scarcity of oil, but the limited refining capacity. There is a shortage of gasoline, not oil that is leading to the large increases at the pump. We are losing refining capacity every year, not increasing capacity, as the not-in-my-backyard politicians and increased regulatory pressures, have all but dried up any hope for increasing refinery capacity. Add to this the numerous cocktail list of gasoline blends required around the country to comply with regulatory requirements. Several blends require extensive changeover, that shut down operations for considerable time to make the necessary change to prepare the gasolines that are utilized in this country. Even if every oil producing country maximized production, it would not effect the gasoline prices significantly. Only major, and regrettably long-term changes are necessary to address the problem.

[NYorkerInHouston]

I wish it were that simple. But it isn't. Refining capacity is increasing and has been since the mid 90's though its not yet at the level it was prior to deregulation in the early 80's.