Outrage over 'obscene profits'
Angry consumers are in the spotlight this week, as protests against rising fuel prices spread nationally. The demonstrators' weapon of choice is the "parking lot," a sort of automotive flash mob used against gas stations. The mob appears without warning and completely blockades the gas pumps, then dissipates when the first police car is seen. Other more traditional protests have made life difficult for the employees of oil companies, government officials, and even some auto companies. Here in Indiana, state officials appear to be taking the heat.
There has been violence too, I probably don't need to tell you, it's been all over the news. But I try not make a big deal of it.
MORE CUTS TO DELIVERY CONTRACTS
Oil availability shrank even further this week, with more announcements of supply shortfalls and "unilaterally negotiated" delivery contracts. Some experts said that worldwide supply was now off by 3%, although others disputed that figure. So yeah, it's here and it's not just staying for dinner, it's gonna live with us for awhile.
STRATEGIC PETROLEUM RESERVE (SPR) TAPPED
The SPR is the government's emergency stockpile of petroleum. Bowing to pressure, the Feds have increased flow from the SPR to 2 million gallons per day, a rate that would deplete the SPR in about a year.
DELIVERY COSTS DRIVING GENERAL INFLATION?
Some bloggers are reporting noticeable jumps in the price of goods, a result perhaps of the increasing cost to transport raw materials to factory and especially of delivering finished goods to market. We're watching this - more next week.
QUESTION: HAVE YOU CHANGED YOUR LIFE? HOW?
Life has sure changed in this household. Tell me about what's going on with you in your videos, images, blogs, emails and phone calls.
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