Jen wrote:
> 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.

I'd rather see a link or two to support your claim that "competition is
so fierce in the oil business, that margins are kept very low despite
the desire to maximize profits".