Taking the Pain Out Of Fuel Prices

Just in case you are becoming concerned about fuel surcharges and your company’s monthly fuel bill, have no fear, you simply need to look at the larger picture.

Last Sunday morning we caught an interview with Chris Wallace and the U.S. Energy Secretary Chu on Fox News Sunday which helped our understanding of how the administration sees pain as gain.

Here is how Wallace put the question: “In that regard, in 2008 you supported ramping up gas prices to coax Americans into more green energy cars and other uses, being more fuel efficient. You said this — and let’s put it on the screen — “Somehow we have to figure out how to boost the price of gasoline to the levels in Europe.” Where it is now more than $10 a gallon. In that sense, is the gas spike an opportunity for more green energy?”

Chu replied, “What I have been doing is developing methods to take the pain out of high gas prices.”

Not one to give up, Wallace tried again: “I understand all that, and that is certainly part of your effort. But is the spike in gas prices — does that also help in making us more energy-efficient?”

The Energy Secretary this time reminded Wallace of the gasoline spikes in 2007-08 and said the current spike should be a reminder to Americans that price over the long haul should be expected to go up and they should keep that in mind as they look to replace current vehicles. ◆

GasBuddy.com to update.