When I hear politicians and others claim that refiners, oil companies, etc. are gouging consumers, I am normally very suspicious of these claims. My guess is that consumers have too many options at their disposal for any of these producers to engage in gouging, whatever gouging is. The Washington Post has an article that backs up my guess:
Like a general mapping out a plan of attack, Andy Barlow of Germantown checks out an online service to scrutinize where the cheap gasoline can be found before getting behind the wheel.
Aman Amin, a gas station owner in Fairfax City, makes a daily assessment of his competition to ensure his gas prices are among the lowest in the area. And in the mountains of Western Maryland, the Stonebow Inn has launched a campaign to lure guests with the promise of free gas.
Drivers are trading tips in chat rooms and signing up for gas rebate cards. Amusement parks and museums are offering discounted admission to customers showing gas receipts. An oil company is rolling out "bulk-buy" programs that will let consumers hedge against future price spikes. Even an online poker site is joining in the movement.
The end of the next paragraph caught my eye.
"When prices go up, you're going to see some interesting things," said Tom Kloza, chief analyst for the Oil Price Information Service in New Jersey. "Saving money on gas is something that's just magical in this country. Rational thought just doesn't apply to gas."
I don't get this last statement, especially within the context of the article. What's irrational about shopping around, checking websites like minnesotagasprices.com as a customer to find the cheapest gas and as a gas station owner to make sure you are competitive? That sounds pretty rational to me.
Here, here, here, here, here, and here are just a few of my posts on the subject. Here is the Oil Price Information Service website.