Don't pump gas on May 15th
In April 1997, there was a "gas out" conducted nationwide in protest of gas prices. Gasoline prices dropped 30 cents a gallon overnight.

On May 15th 2007, all internet users are to not go to a gas station in protest of high gas prices. Gas is now over $3.00 a gallon in most places.

There are 73,000,000+ American members currently on the internet network, and the average car takes about 30 to 50 dollars to fill up.

If all users did not go to the pump on the 15th, it would take $2,292,000,000.00 (that's almost 3 BILLION) out of the oil companies pockets for just one day, so please do not go to the gas station on May 15th and lets try to put a dent in the Middle Eastern oil industry for at least one day. If you agree (which I can’t see why you wouldn’t) resend this to all your contact list. With it saying, ''Don't pump gas on May 15th"

Is this an urban myth? I've gotten many, this is the latest. I just don't understand this. How will this hurt the oil companies and bring prices down? People will fill up the day before, or the day after and they will be selling the same amount of gas for the week. How can this hurt them or effect prices?? Now if everyone stopped driving for a week or a month, I could understand. :confused:

Is this an urban myth? I've gotten many, this is the latest. I just don't understand this. How will this hurt the oil companies and bring prices down? People will fill up the day before, or the day after and they will be selling the same amount of gas for the week. How can this hurt them or effect prices?? Now if everyone stopped driving for a week or a month, I could understand. :confused:

I agree its not really taking any money out as a whole but it is a way to say back we are getting sick of the bad excuses. Im waiting for the one where they say ( Katrina could happen again we just want to you to be used to the prices) I am going to look at the chevy volt very seriously and a solar panel to charge it and say good by to comuting fuel, Just sick of it all.
Besides its been a long time since the model T and we still have the same system ( with some bells a wistles) Its time.
George Jetson

Well, I answered my own question. Went on snopes and just as I suspected, this is what I found: http://www.snopes.com/politics/gasoline/nogas.asp

People don't understand that the price of gas is controlled by the market not set prices of the oil companies. Every day people bid on gas and the highest bidder wins. They seem to be crazy to me for their reasons about why they think the price should be higher but it's a free market and we are the ones that end up suffering.

People don't understand that the price of gas is controlled by the market not set prices of the oil companies. Every day people bid on gas and the highest bidder wins. They seem to be crazy to me for their reasons about why they think the price should be higher but it's a free market and we are the ones that end up suffering.

Well its a bit more complicated than the day to day price of oil on the market.The real problem or so they say...and I've got a problem with the "they" who say it...is there is not enough refineries in the U.S. to keep up with demand. Last year there was a lot of stuff that came to light about the oil industry amid the run up to $3.00 plus a gallon last summer,being in business with 5 trucks with 30 gallon tanks you can see my interest. Basically from what I gathered from 60 minutes,48 hours,20/20 and the like was this. There has not been a concerted effort to build refineries in the U.S. since the 40's and the need to run a two front war during WW2. When the war was over we had plenty of refinery space for a U.S in peacetime and this lasted until the late 60's when the refinery space got tight...heres the good part. In the mid 1970's a refinery was permitted in Arizona,but do to the new Environmental laws of the early 70's and beyond, it did not open until...get this... 1995. Furthermore it has become so costly to build a refinery on the coast where we actually need them that its just not being done because the return is so far out and the governing laws so strict. The Saudis were the first to punk the U.S. govt and the oil companies out last year when they first started to blame the rise in gas prices on demand,due to China and India. The Saudis went directly to the U.S. Press and said basically we've got plenty of oil you dont have the capacity to refine it. The bottom line IMHO is, all the politicians are on the take to "Big Oil"...last year congress held that circus of a hearing to investigate wether there was any wrong doing in last years price run up and low and behold they found nothing wrong. Let me get this right,the oil companies who have paid out millions into the PAC funds of the very politicians that are investigating them, found nothing wrong...well of course they found nothing wrong.The sad thing about all this is it went off with barely a wimper from us...you know "WE the People" and until we the people start doing something,hell anything, to take back some measure of controll over this country then expect $ 4.00(which by the way they are already prepping us for) OR $5.00/GAL gas soon.Therefore I will be whole heartedly participating in the "gas out" that day and I've told evryone I know to as well. Just a parting thought and an easy one to ponder...dont you think its strange that when the Middle-East goes up on oil price per barrel it causes an immediate jump in prices at the pump...but when there is an oil price per barrel reduction its always annouced that this wont be seen at the pump for 6 months...the math just doesnt work here!

It's the gas companies who employ those buyers to bid the price higher and higher. The average guy isn't going to do that, but the oil companies can afford to lose a little here to gain a ton there. Look at all the inovations for fuels that have come out in the last 100 years and the are never brought to light because.............the oil companies buy the rights to them from the inventor and they are distroyed. A member of my family works for a company that has tried to get off the ground for over 10 years producing ethonal from sweet potatoes where every part of that is used with no waste. Not all goes to the production of fuel, but the magority does and the remaining is used in other markets. They cannot get off the ground because of the pollitions who are paid by the gas companies to keep it from happening. The owners life has been turned up side down a few times for this too. As far as the Hybrid cars go, GIVE ME A BREAK!!!!!!! They don't get fuel mileage any better than most dino based cars in the same platform, read up on them if you don't believe me. The other thing the manufacturer doesn't tell you is that those batteries only last about 60-months just like all other batteries, then when you go to replace them they only cost an average of $6,000 so where did you say I was going to save money mr manufacturer??? I have had to take a fundamental course o the Hybrids and not only are they dangerous to work on as a technician but for the owner who goes picking and poking, they could end up FRIED sooooooo easy it isn't funny. There are no FUSES or BREAKERS to keep it from happening either. Okay enough on that joke, but seriously there is no way that not buying fuel one day is going to reduce the price, they have gotten the email just like everybody else and they will just reflect a loss for one day and a massive gain over the previous or following days.

That is just the stupidest thing you can do. People gas up on 5/14 and 5/16 so where's the message? If anything, people should boycott one specific company for a month and be vigilent about it. That will encourage competition.

Better then not buying gas because of the higher prices (some of us have to work and it requires that we buy gas to do so). Lets All demand that the Oil Companys Pay us back for every year that we have bought gas that 1/10 of a penny that you never get in Change. One day im gonna take my gas can for my lawn mower to the station , give the attendant (example) $3.10 when the price per Gal. is $3.09 9/10ths im gonna put in 1 gal. and demand Change.

Gas should be Priced at even money per gal. you dont pay $2.59 9/10ths for a gal of Milk

I only wish I could get one of those GAS CARDS that the pollitians have.........you know the one that they use for all their fuel expenses, the one that on the front says JOHN Q. PUBLIC as the card holder and the one resposible for the charges. Our government has become those who are against us not for us. The ones we put in office don't do the will of the people on hardly anything. Government is to be BY THE PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE, Not who is going to PAY me the most to represne that view. Get ready cause the end of the world is coming and it is only going to get worse. Best accept Jesus today cause at the rate things are going you might not have much time left. I can even imagine what will happen after I am gone with the rapture!!!!!!!

Actually I don't think the oil companies employ people to bid up the price of oil, it's done through futures trading on the floor of the commodities market, along with wheat, pork bellies, etc. The traders in this market will never be mistaken for rocket-scientists.

The oil companies haven't built a new refinery in the US in over 20 years. Not necessarily their fault as long as the NIMBY mindset exists. The eco-terrorists also won't let the oil companies drill in Alaska for fear of disturbing a moose or two. There is no refinery in New England, and never will be as long as the "beautiful people" control the coastline.

Alternative fuel cars will eventually catch on, but it will be a while before fuels like ethanol become cost effective. There's a whole new infrastructure that needs to be built to support it. This will have it's own set of environmental and legislative issues that will take a long time to resolve and oh yeah, we will subsidize this also.

In the meantime, not buying gas for one day will have no effect on anything. There might be a slight effect if a single brand was singled out, and would have to be a prolonged boycott. Then competition might bring the price down. Why not send a message by just buying the cheapest gas.

Unfortunately pricing is all a question of supply and demand. Prices will stay high as long as demand stays high. There's no reason they shouldn't. So far our demand hasn't waned, even as the price goes up. The only way prices will ever come down is if demand does, and that requires a lifestyle change for us as a nation, and sacrifices that most aren't willing to make. As sinful as it seems, the oil companies are just making as much money as we're letting them.

Okay, I'll get off my pulpit now. I'm just disgusted with everything about this issue and am trying to do my part by using as little gas as possible.

Quote:
Don't pump gas on May 15th
If all users did not go to the pump on the 15th, it would take $2,292,000,000.00 (that's almost 3 BILLION) out of the oil companies pockets for just one day

Unless you DON"T drive your car on the 15th, this logic is flawed. So you don't fill up on the 15th. If you fill up on the 16th, you will just put more gas in your car than normal. Therefore, gas companies still get the same amount of $$$ out of you.

There is a discount station by me that has gas for 3.45 8/10ths
I got that from the simpsons.

Ha they will just increase the price to make up for the loss that day , And everyone will have to pay more $$$$ .
Some oil companys had a Net profit of 21 Billion during (Thats just in one month ) of the last shortage Or excuse they are having a shortage .

These email messages have nothing to do with gasoline...
It is a way for spammers to collect email addresses.

Anytime you "forward" a message to "all your friends",
you are perpetuating a mobile database of email addresses. :sad:

Who is the bigest manufacturer, Exxon, Mobil etc.? I say start a boycot of that manufacturer.

I agree that boycoting one comapny for a month might get the message across but don't go and buy the cheapest gas out there!!!! Your only asking for problems, all gas is NOT created EQUAL!! The big names in fuel are mostly the ones that can cause the least amount of problems

Who is the bigest manufacturer, Exxon, Mobil etc.? I say start a boycot of that manufacturer.


Makes no difference - almost all retail gasoline is generic, and comes from one regional distribution point for truck delivery to ALL brand stations in the area, with brand-specific additives mixed in when the tanker is loaded at the distribution point.

There's no shortage of crude - the supertankers are lined up at every port; there simply isn't enough domestic refining capacity to convert crude to gasoline. In 1976, the year the last refinery was built, there were 304 refineries in the U.S.; now there are 149. That's why we're now importing refined gasoline to cover the refining shortfall. Ask the politicians, the environmentalists, and the EPA why no new refineries have been built since 1976.

If you boycott on the 15th of May, wear a tin foil hat so we know who's boycotting and who's not. :D

well said John Z. Every one of us with a retirement plan, (401K, etc), is an owner in "big oil". Here's an idea...let's boycott the gas stations that make 3 cents a gallon to dispense the stuff....yea, let's really stick it to the guy working there that makes $6 and hour. If you don't like the system - sell your car and buy a bike!

If you look at the 10 year profits from the oil companies...they are not that great. I don't see people bitchin about the cost of their computer when microsoft posts their profits....

If the oil business was soooo great - wouldn't we see the government running it???? Anyone ask Teddy Kennedy why we are paying such a high tax rate on our gasoline, (18.4 cents per gallon - federal, not including state and local taxes which on average add up to another 8 cents per gallon)....never heard him propose lightening that up....in fact when gas topped $3.00/gallon the oil companies were taking a profit of .10/gallon...that's a 3.3% profit....not much different from a CD return. Except a bank doesn't have to drill for the oil...transport it to a container...ship it accross the globe...refine it...then deliver it to your local gas station 2 blocks away from your house so it is conveinient for you....

Off my soap box now.

I can't believe they claim supply & demand I haven't seen a station shut down because they dodn't have any gas. Some of you might remember the 70's when they rationed gas, that was supply & demand. Plus they are making record profits and pumping gas 24-7and not letting up. I wish i could raise my prices because of bad weather or we might go to war (Iran) but don't.It reminds me of Enron they made up the shortages of electicity to raise prices in California,they told the plants to shut down to do maintance that would start brown outs. Then Eron could raise prices just like the oil companys. Goverment just looks the other way. I could go on but it just makes me sick.

Tell me if any of you have heard this. I was talking to a guy at work the other day when this subject came up and he mentioned that he had read or seen that all the oil that runs through the Alaska pipeline is not used in the US at all but is sold to China. Is this true? Are we selling Our oil to other countries so We can pay more for it at the pump?

4 bangers rock!!!!!!
i also plan on getting a motorcycle soon!

Better then not buying gas because of the higher prices (some of us have to work and it requires that we buy gas to do so). Lets All demand that the Oil Companys Pay us back for every year that we have bought gas that 1/10 of a penny that you never get in Change. One day im gonna take my gas can for my lawn mower to the station , give the attendant (example) $3.10 when the price per Gal. is $3.09 9/10ths im gonna put in 1 gal. and demand Change.

Gas should be Priced at even money per gal. you dont pay $2.59 9/10ths for a gal of Milk

When they sell gas for $3.09.9 per gallon, it's $3.09.9 per gallon. If you buy 100 gallons, it's $309.90 for those 100 gallons. There's no mysterious conspiracy to defraud you out of $.001 per gallon.

Ha they will just increase the price to make up for the loss that day , And everyone will have to pay more $$$$ .
Some oil companys had a Net profit of 21 Billion during (Thats just in one month ) of the last shortage Or excuse they are having a shortage .

You need to do a little research on your profit reports. The largest profit is about $39 billion in one year by Exxon on sales of over $360 billion. In absolute terms this is the largest profit ever recorded, but in terms of sales it isn't enough to get Exxon in the top 50 most profitable companies. United Air lines was about 10 times more profitable, as was DuPont.

Tell me if any of you have heard this. I was talking to a guy at work the other day when this subject came up and he mentioned that he had read or seen that all the oil that runs through the Alaska pipeline is not used in the US at all but is sold to China. Is this true? Are we selling Our oil to other countries so We can pay more for it at the pump?

Another internet rumor you need to research. It is against the law to export Alaskan Oil. Other laws that govern the transportation of Alaskan oil are the Jones Act, which requires only U.S. flagged and built ships can carry the oil to the U.S. ports it goes to.

Thanks for letting me know the truth about that.

Everyone not buying gas on one day might send a message. Everyone not using gas on one day would send a stronger message. Would it make a difference? Probably not. We have made ourselves dependent on the daily commute. Most of us don't work or shop in the same place we live. Years ago you moved to a town or city to find work. There was a grocery store, a bakery, a pharmacy, a doctor, a barber, a clothing store, a hardware store, a gas station with a mechanic, etc. etc. We all flocked to the big stores to save a few bucks and for the convience of being able to buy just about everything at one place. Why do you think Walmart is so successful? The local stores died out from lack of business and they aren't coming back anytime soon. I'm only 45 and I can remember walking with my mom, who stayed home to raise the kids, to get everything our family needed. Jobs were plentiful because everything was made and sold locally. Most of it could be delivered right to your door. Who needed a car? Now most families have working mothers and fathers. This started out as a way to get ahead and have a little more than most. This caught on and drove the average household income up which drives up the cost of living. The big guys hate seeing the little guys having it too good. Now you need two cars because husband and wife usually don't work at the same place. This doubles the fuel consumption and then some because you also have to drop the kids off before work and pick them up after. Time is limited so off we go to the supercenter to save time on shopping. When my tv cable bill started looking rediculous I got rid of it. When my high speed internet service went through the roof I went back to dial-up. When the price of gas doesn't seem feasible I'll find someplace where I can walk to work. Of course I don't know if I'll be able to buy food or clothing within walking distance. The money I'll save on a vehicle payment, insurance, fuel, and maintenance I could actually take a pay cut. I won't waste an hour or two of my life everyday driving to and from work. The walking will be good for my health and less stressful than driving. The point I'm trying to make, and you're not going to like it, is we're all looking for someone to blame. Looked into the mirror lately?

Just a heads up, I dont know where your email's comming from but here in Cali its legit, I'm a student at University of California Irvine and there is a huge effort on campus to get the word out about not pumping gas on the 15th. Its such a big movement that its spread all throughout the state's Colleges and Universities.

IMO it really would make a difference because it shows those people with power that the everyday people who pump gas multiple times a week are so concerned that they are actually taking the effort to do something about it and are not just becoming content with the constant rise of prices.

Just a heads up, I dont know where your email's comming from but here in Cali its legit, I'm a student at University of California Irvine and there is a huge effort on campus to get the word out about not pumping gas on the 15th. Its such a big movement that its spread all throughout the state's Colleges and Universities.

IMO it really would make a difference because it shows those people with power that the everyday people who pump gas multiple times a week are so concerned that they are actually taking the effort to do something about it and are not just becoming content with the constant rise of prices.

The only effort people are really taking is complaining about prices. The only thing that would "send the message" so to speak, would be to use less fuel. People (myself included) will still fill up at $5/gallon without changing their behaviors.

It is supply and demand, they have the supply and we demand it. I personally don't have the option of riding a bike to work. Not buying gas for one day is a joke, the same amount of gas will be consumed just the same.
Doug

I would just like to take the time to thank whoever started the boycott!:sad: Way to go! You managed to make the companies mad enough that they responded. They responded by raising the price $.20 yesterday. Thanks for your help it was much needed.