[namba209]

Out here in SoCal, the prices haven't gone up too much, less than $.25, at least today anyway. But there has been a run on gas. I noted there was no regular gas at the pumps on base, delivery difficulties they said. One thing that upsets me is, gas stations usually get gas once a week, so how do they justify raising the cost when they haven't gotten any in 4-5 days or less. There's a big move afoot to shove it to the gas companies by not buying gas tomorrow, the 1st of September. Don't know how it will come out, I've heard 4.6 billion dollars in revenue losses if it happens. Not bad for one days shopping. I said it earlier, the EPA has suspended all special blend requirements for the time being, OPEC has said it will increase production, and the Federal Strategic oil reserves will be opened to make up for the loss in crude from the gulf. I noted on the news a barrel of crude was down $.67 a barrel at the stock exchange, so maybe someone is taking notice and the price of gas will stabilize and gouging won't be too rampant. Water, ice, blankets, tarps, MREs, generators and troops are on the way to the gulf region and the Pres said it's just the beginning. Big, major problem, no highways to the area, they were washed away, so stuff will get there, it's just a matter of how and when, but it is on the way.