Gas Prices

We always complain that the price of gasoline is too high.

Gas prices in Hawaii are higher than the rest of the US, so people demand that government do something about it. They want government to make gas cheaper. They don't even bother to find out what are the factors that determine the price of gas.

Demand for oil is rising because China and India (2 billion people combined) are using more oil nowadays! Add to instability in Middle East, concerns about events in Venezuela, the hurricane that hit Louisiana, the refusal to drill in parts of Alaska! And to ship oil to a bunch of islands in the middle of the ocean. Dam right oil would be expensive.

The last time the US had price caps on gasoline (in the 1970s), there were severe shortages. With low prices, it's "1st come, 1st served". After that, there's nothing left.

I get upset when I pay more than I wish to pay. But I also understand economics, so I won't demand idiotic policies like "price caps".

People need to re-think priorities. Who said you need a big house in Kapolei, when you can get an apartment in Honolulu? Save $$$ on gas, and you can get easier access to work and all the fun events in Honolulu.