Where Are The Gas Lines? Where Are The Empty Pumps?

For those of you who read this blog from outside the USA, let me offer an explanation and disclaimer. Retail gasoline (a.k.a. "petrol" to some of you) prices in the USA have gone up by a record percentage within the past two weeks, and prices are approaching overall record levels. We still pay a lower price than many of you in other countries, and so I realize that my complaint may seem a bit hollow to you... but please note: if our government had imposed a stiff new tax on gasoline in order to raise revenue and promote conservation, I would not be complaining at all. I might not be ecstatic about it, but I would accept it as a necessary and good thing despite the hardship.

That, however, is not at all what has happened. The price increase is unquestionably going into the pockets of the petroleum companies. The industry is claiming that the price increase is due simply to supply problems resulting from a broken pipeline in Arizona, the recent major blackout, Iraq, etc., etc., ad infinitum. They claim that they are not making excessive profits, because they are not able to bring as much product to market as they would like.

This is why I ask the following questions:

• Has anyone here in the USA seen a line at the pumps of your local gas station?
• Has anyone here in the USA seen a pump that is closed down, bearing a sign that says "No Gas"?

I know from experience in the 1970s what a gasoline shortage looks like. I scouted for the shortest lines. I waited my turn. I filled my tank opportunistically if I saw a short line today, because I couldn't be sure that my favorite station would have gas tomorrow. But lately I have seen neither lines or pumps that are out of service, and I don't know of anybody who has. If there's a supply problem at the refinineries and distributors, why does it seem to be invisible to me at the retail level? Have any of you readers seen any actual signs of a shortage?

One possible explanation for the lack of a visible shortage is that the rise in prices has caused consumption to drop just enough to keep the retail supplies from running out, but the decreased demand has not yet forced the price to drop. As much of a stretch as I think that would be, I can't rule it out. But can any of you readers provide evidence to support this theory? Have you reduced your gasoline consumption in the past two weeks? Have you canceled a major trip, or even decided not to take a short one? Have you taken a bus or the train instead of driving somewhere? Have you reduced the number of local errands that you run? Have you car-pooled to work when it is not normally your habit?