On Thu, 15 Apr 2004 18:49:16 GMT, Gus <GusPod@optOFFline.XXXX.net>
wrote:

>Mike Smith wrote:
>
>> Lower_gas_prices wrote:
>>
>>> Don't know if this will work...but I don't want too pay 1.42 a litre!!!!
>>> Worth a try!!
>>
>> No it isn't. Fuel prices are rising everywhere, because OPEC has raised
>> the price of crude, not because Shell or Petro Canada feel like screwing
>> you.
>
>Independent variables - both may be true.

Worldwide prices have gone up, so that one IS true. As far as screwing
the customer is concerned, you know that every merchant will try to
get the best buck for their products. Furthermore, if the merchant
doesn't apply his mind to that goal all the time, he will most likely
go out of business pretty soon. But competition is so fierce in the
oil business, that margins are kept very low despite the desire to
maximize profits.

Don't believe it? Buy some oil company stock then. As a part-owner,
you will learn how big their profits are each year, and you will
participate in this profit making.

J.