by Josiah King

Created on: June 10, 2008

Necessary...what an interesting word in relation to the prices we pay.

Is it necessary to charge a price for fuel? Yes. Is it necessary to pay the price we are paying? No. But, I am not of the mindset of many who would jump on the band wagon of blaming the oil companies for all the fuel price problems. I am friends with a man who works in the oil industry, and he has divulged to me that oil companies are among the few who are actually capped on the amount of profit they can make.

Now, can the oil companies make some difference? I would say yes, but the key words here are, some difference. I am sure with their powerful lobbyists it is possible they could sway some actions, but remember that it is not all in their control. There are so many hands in this particular "cookie jar" that it is not as simple as blaming any one person or entity. And the reality of it is also that we, the consumers, are also a factor. It is a simple understanding of supply and demand that would show us that.

Who can argue that there are definite costs to conducting business? It's just a given. From buying supplies, to equipment, and yes, even the cost of gas, along with a slew of other things. But, perhaps a better culprit in this gas price issue is the profit margin applied.

Do you know that in some middle eastern countries that the people pay only about $.40 - $.50 per gallon? How can that be, you ask. Good question. But a better question, if they can do it there, why can't we do that here. Is it costs, or greed that is the primary motivating factor of the prices soaring through the roof? That I leave for you to decide.

Now, can we do anything about the prices of gas? The simple answer is no. At least not in a direct way, for most of us. But, what we can do is look at ways to help us cover the costs and hedge our losses. There are things you can invest into to help you make money whilst you are losing some. Also, there are products that can help you save money on gas, you just have to investigate them a bit to find the good deals from the scams. I, for example, have a product I use that has added nearly 50 miles more per tank of gas, and it only costs us about $1 per fill-up to do this. That is equivalent to nearly an extra 1/4 tank of gas in mileage we have gotten. That is only one example of things you can do to help you save on the rising gas prices. Basic regular maintenance of your car helps too. Things like changing the oil regularly, as well as the fuel filter, air filter, and even having proper tire inflation. Oh, and let's not forget this one, not speeding.

So, if you catch yourself complaining at the pump, remind yourself that there are things you can do to help you save. But, let's not just complain and play the blame game. Rather, take initiative to do what you can about it, and settle in the fact that there are things you can't do. But, you have the power to make change. That power is your conviction to make a difference, and word-of-mouth. Something I learned in my years of sales is this: People don't buy the product, but rather the person or experience. To put in in other terms, people are emotional, and so if you can reach the heart, and make it personal then you have a better chance of bringing difference. But remember you should not force your opinion, but rather let people make the choice for themselves, even if its not in support of you.

This is just my opinion, and I offer it to you. As my friend says, "I am just the mailman. I deliver the message. What you choose to do with it is up to you." Message delivered...now what will you do with it?

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