I remember about 21 years ago when gas was .89 a gallon. During that time you could put ten dollars in your tank and ride on that amount for days; also you could actually pump your gas first and then pay. It seems like those days are long gone never to return. Gas prices in America are outrageous! As America grapples with its struggling economy its citizens are spending their hard earned money just to keep gas in their vehicles. Driving back and forth from your perspective place of employment can be expensive.
Nobody can explain why gas prices are constantly increasing. Our politicians once used the war in Iraq as an excuse to justify the increased in the price of gas. The war in Iraq is no longer a factor in the increase in gas prices because our troops are no longer involved in that conflict. According to the American Automobile Association (www.aaa.com) gas in the United States could get as high as $5 a gallon by this summer. When gas reaches this price there will be no such thing as leisurely driving. This is going to place a strain on the average American. Consumer spending will surely decrease because any type of residual income that people have will end up going in their gas tanks.
We are definitely going to need some relief in America when it comes to gas prices. It is sad that consumers have become collateral damage in this country as a result of corporate greed. Higher gas prices will further hurt the United States economy. According to National Public Radio (www.npr.org) higher gas prices could possibly stall the U.S. economy. Gas prices are higher than they ever have been. I personally believe that if the United States tapped into its oil reserves it could not only reduce gas prices but will also stabilize them. There are many people that will feel that that should be a last resort but unfortunately it may be necessary to keep the United States economy from getting any worse. This country is already in a deficit! If the price of gas continues to rise things will not get any better. In the meantime all we can do is hope for the best.