I got this message from a friend of mine who works for a petrol company. I thought I'd pass it along.<br><br>

That was a pretty funny message from the "oil company", in a sick sort of way. Personally, I hope gasoline prices continue to climb rapidly, because higher prices are probably the most effective way to wean people off their out-moded, Oil Age addiction.<br><br>However, note that it's been said that the Stone Age didn't end because there was a shortage of stones. Likewise, the Oil Age won't end because the world runs out of oil or because oil becomes "too expensive."<br><br>Instead, the Oil Age will end because the numerous advantages of _efficiency_ will make petroleum-based technologies moot (except in the most extreme cases where there might not be a reasonable substitute.) For example, the Toyota Prius is a small but significant evolutionary step toward the end of the Oil Age.<br><br>Surely, using petroleum as the primary way to power vehicles is not the "highest and best use" for the relatively small amount of oil, clean air, and clean water we have remaining.<br><br>- Peter<br>(Prius: Putting a nail in the Oil Age coffin, everyday!)

Sorry, but I'm paying attention and I'm not outraged. Well, I take that back; I'm outraged the prices are so LOW. Look at anywhere else in the world (possible exception of the Middle East?) and you will find them much higher. You will also find much smaller cars.<br><br>We need to get on to another cleaner and renewable energy source eventually, and in the meantime we need to use less oil and use it more cleanly.<br><br>Burns

The higher the better. I would not be uncomfortable driving a Smart Car or other small type in Europe where gas prices are high and even trucks are small. In the US I will always be thinking about the 3* rating of my Prius and the ever present SUVs ready to smash me. Lets get those gas prices up and car sizes down<br><br>Scott

The price of gas and Diesel fuel in other parts of the world is generally part of an overall energy-use policy and is not isolated from other parts of that policy. For example, home heating oil is taxed, but there are tax credits (in Germany, anyway) for solar electricity and water heating systems, offsetting both their cost and the increased cost of the heating oil. Gasoline is US$ 3.75/gallon, but the new(er) cars use less of it, making the equivalent price about half. Public transportation is available and relatively cheap, and runs frequently, and buses increasingly use cleaner fuels, while electric streetcars are clean(er) anyway. And so on. Canada and the US don't really have an integrated public transportation policy outside the major cities, and I wouldn't want to ride a bus across LA anyway. After all, didn't they say "What's good for GM is good for the country" as they bought up and dismantled the streetcar systems all over the US? The Prius is the beginning of rational fuel use in North America in the absense of any rational public policy, and I for one take great pleasure in driving seemingly forever before having to put gas in the Prius. More power to Prius!

I guess we are getting somewhat off topic, but I think you are exactly right about high prices working in as part of an integrated policy. On top of that, most Europeans are *accustomed* to using public transit and they demand good public transit.<br><br>One of the few things that I agree with Cheny about is that you probably can't jam conservation (for example small cars and using public transit) down people's throats when we have been accustomed for years to large (and comfortable) hogs. I disagree that the implication of this is that we have to drill more. To me, the implication is that we have to (1) let prices rise and (2) support alternatives that people will except. The Prius is one of these. Hybrid SUVs, much as I hate SUVs, may be another.<br><br>Burns

I realize this is somewhat off topic...<br><br>I agree that higher fuel prices = people want more efficient vehicles.<br><br>I'm curious though...what is everyone paying for gas? I'm in westcentral Wisconsin and heard a report today that said Wisconsin currently has the 5th highest gas prices in the nation. Well, apparently that wasn't good enough because the gas prices got bumped up another 6 cents/gal today. We now have an average price around this area of $1.86/gal. Aaack. I can't wait until my Prius arrives. (Should be soon, got the call two weeks ago.)<br><br>--Jeremy

Indirectly-related note: Today's Wall Street Journal (front page and page A3) reports that Ford Motor Company (the #2 auto maker) will release a report this week "... saying it believes global warming is a serious issue that must be addressed ..."<br><br>If you think of Ford as being like a huge ocean liner, we may be seeing it slowly, slowly, slowly turning in the appropriate direction. Stay tuned to www.ford.com for details.<br><br>- Peter<br>(Prius: Take that, President-Select Shrub!)

A good source for gas prices is at- <a href=http://www.gaspricewatch.com target=new>http://www.gaspricewatch.com</a>

Article in CollisionWeek.com:<br><br>Ford dealerships to sell THINK EV!!!<br><br>Who woulda thunk?<br><br>Jeff (PS: Peter, did insurance company ever give you the "buy back" figure for the wreck?)

Here in the East SF Bay area, 87 octane is pretty much at least $2.00/gal at most stations. There are a few independant stations here and there where you can find $1.90-ish/gal. Premium at a name-brand station will run you around $2.30/gal.<br><br>Matt<br>(6 weeks waiting for Green Prius as of 5-3-01)