Fuel solutions
Over the past few weeks I've received several copies of the same email urging me to boycott a couple of the major oil companies in some attempt to get them to reduce the cost of fuel.
Now then.. I am hurting just as much if not more than the next person. I live in the country, miles from the nearest shop and Liz and I have both got cars which are not the most economical beasts in the world.
However, I totally disagree with that email that is doing the rounds.
A few tens of thousands of UK citizens boycotting a couple of oil companies isn't going to make a tiny bit of difference to the problems we are facing. We have to face it, oil is finite and the price will rise as it gets harder to get out of the ground. Even if the oil companies are exaggerating the situation, that oil is not as abundant as it once was.
I've been pondering on the problem for some time. Right now the oil companies are making bigger profits than they ever have. Their shareholders are happy.
Stop and think.
When you fill your car up, where do you go to do it? Who owns that outlet? Chances are its an oil company. Do you know any that aren't oil company owned other than the supermarkets? So if an alternative fuel comes along that threatens the dominance of the oil companies do you think they would sell it in their outlets?
The private sector is designed to maximise profits for the shareholders. So the oil companies will continue to make as much money as they can. In this scenario no other fuel will get a look in.
I think that the private sector will be unable to solve the fuel issues as it doesn't generate a quick return to the shareholders. Dramatic action is required.
So, the reason I disagree with those emails asking me to boycott the fuels of certain large oil companies is because I want the government to step in. Honestly I don't mind paying more for my fuel in duties to the government. BUT and this is a big BUT the duties collected must be invested to nationalise the fuel outlets and remove the monopoly of the oil companies and investments be made in developing non carbon based fuels. Having an open network of fuel outlets around the country will make it much easier to get the alternatives out to those that want them and give them a chance to become established.
No doubt I am over simplifying much of this argument, and I haven't articulated as well as I could. I hope you will understand what I am saying and welcome comments at any time.
6 comments:
Hi, Simon!
I am wondering if we could generate fuel for our gas guzzling tanks by simply spitting! You know, capture all those invective spits for the greater good.
All 'tongue in cheek' aside, what do you think?
What you gas guzzlers need is one of these:
http://www.popularmechanics.com/automotive/new_cars/4251491.html
What "you" gas guzzlers need?!?
I checked out that article you linked. Certainly air comes before spit. You got me again, Simon!
Just to highlight what is causing some angst here in the UK I thought I'd place here for the record what it costs per litre of fuel.
Last time I filled up I paid 119.9pence per litre. There are 4.54 litres in a gallon. That equates to £5.44 per gallon. Taking a dollar to be worth around 50p these days - that is $10.88 per gallon. Now a US gallon is a little smaller than a UK gallon - so lets call it $10.00 per US gallon.
I wonder how that price would go down across the Atlantic?
Of course that price would not go down at ALL well! Did you think my comment was intended as a "Ha ha"? I hardly go out of my house anymore at all, primarily as a result of -- well, let's face it, I'd rather stay home and play with the computer, blog, etc. More than that, however, anytime I even think of starting the car up and taking it out for 'a drive' (who does THAT anymore?), those gas prices swirl around in my head and I just don't do it. Nowadays, I have to have a good reason to even start the car. I can't beGIN to imagine paying what you guys are for gas! I just got back from shopping (one of my more dreaded chores), and planned my trip well in advance in order to put the least number of total miles on the car. Now I'm back home, groceries are in the fridge, and I'm playing with the computer again.
Not sure if home delivery is common place in the US - all the big supermarkets here will deliver to your door.
We do a big shop that way each week and then a couple of catch-ups where we've forgotten a few essentials.
It's the best part of £5 to go to the nearest supermarket and back in fuel alone.
There's no longer a shop in our village. Time is coming it will be back I am sure...
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