The High Price of Gas

Part of it is also supply and demand - China and Asia have been soaking up oil products at a faster rate than ever. The entire energy supply chain, however, is not transparent. Who is profiting the most? We don't know - and in many cases, we won't know. If the chain is opaque, then the only ways you can attack it are at the beginning and end. From the beginning - which is supply - we do need alternative fuel options, and the good news is that there are plenty, but they need to be developed. In your buildings, take a hard look at solar windows and solar concrete - the next Trump Tower could also be Trump Power. At the other end of the chain is demand - reducing demand for oil products via market forces clearly hasn't worked. Demand needs to be reduced

A major problem is that no new refineries are being built and we're having problems with our existing refineries. One article I read said that 60% of the cost increase in cost at the pump was due to the refinery crunch.

I don't see The Trump Organization investing in energy, why not? I think there is a HUGE luxury market to be had on being "green." Can't you see all the premium Lexus SUV owners paying more for fuel which does not pollute?

I agree wholeheartedly, particularly with the pursuit of alternative energy sources. The fact is, we already have an alternative fuel supply - the 85% ethanol blend of gasoline (E85). I understand that it only costs a couple hundred dollars per new vehicle to make a vehicle run on E85 in addition to normal gasoline. If the government mandated that all new vehicles run on either E85 or gasoline, reduced taxes on ethanol-blend fuel to lower the cost per gallon, and provided tax incentives to fuel stations and oil companies to sell E85, our dependence on fossil fuel could be reduced significantly over time, all while keeping most of that fuel money in the country rather than handing it over to the oil-producing countries. Why not make our corn famers the new "oil barons"?

I also think perhaps a goodwill ambassador's visit could strongly help in negotiation!

Well said. America (and the rest of the developed world) need to pursue alternative energy sources right now, before it's too late. There is an energy crisis looming and we must be prepared well in advance. Reduction in the reliance on oil will also bring reduction in the reliance on the Arab states … this would be a very good thing indeed.

It's reached the point where the price forces a reduction in demand. I'm restructuring my fuel consumption because while $10/month extra is an inconvenience, $40/month is a budget item. When others do the same, business will find a way to provide affordable gas.

Mr. Trump,

Sending a business leader into Saudi to negotiate prices with leaders there will not yield the expected results unless there are similar leaders out there. I doubt it.

Regards
Ram

$3 for one gallon sounds like a bargain for me. I am originally from Germany but moved to Switzerland in late 2004. In the area of Zurich 1 liter of unleaded fuel costs $1.28 - means 1 gallon is about $4.85 and in Germany it is even more expensive, not to talk about the UK.

Mr. Trump you are right on several points here…stopping elected officials from negotiating, the heads of oil-producing countries laughing their butts off at us and funding alternative energy which is a no brainer, but as you already know many elected officials are lacking in that department. I think there is a bigger point being overlooked there and that is there should be a congressional investigation into these phony and fraudulent oil prices, but there won't be and you know why…because congress doesn't care about you or me they only care about themselves and the corporations who are stuffing money fist over hand into their pockets. The funny thing about this article is that it is very similar in a way to the 8.10.05 Corporate Corruption article because whether we are talking about corporate executives or the highest elected officials in the land they both have the same arrogance, cockiness and condescension toward the people who they work for and something has to change soon, very soon.

Actually there is a hearing in the Senate on "global oil demand, refinery capacity constraints and the impact of futures market speculation on energy prices", according to Reuters.

Right on! We are getting hosed! : )
Re: Alternative Energy
The following is only going to happen if people like you, Mr. Trump, get involved.
Why not turn NASA into a nice museum and take their budget/scientists/buildings and create the same national effort towards developing the Hydogen Fuel Cell and fuel cell car? Then
we can drop the foreign oil habit and get our money back

Mr Trump, will anything change when the price is $6 a gallon, like it now is here in the UK. The answer is probably not. Not so long ago we were paying $3 a gallon. There was a huge outcry, to no avail. The price has risen, and consumption has too! So it's not price that will change thinking. Neither will it be politicians or supercharged business negotiators. At present, demand may be greater than supply, with China's phenomenal growth. But with all the questions that revolve around this issue, one thing is a certainty - the price won't go down even if supply outstrips demand. We, the consumer, will become conditioned and accept. And fuel prices will climb ever higher over time.

Very well put Mr. Trump. I see no reason why we shouldn't position ourselves to be a dominant force in the alternative energy market.

Mr Trump, I agree that we need to wake up and start developing energy plans or send over a true business leader i.e. yourself, but as demonstrated

We, Russians, are also leaving in the oil empire. But the inner price for gasoline is around $1,90 per gallon, and it keeps growing. So I guess it's not about negotiations. It's about the needs of modern consumption. Really, Western Europe suffers more in terms of gasoline prices, but the income level is also higher than in Russia, for example.
And also don't forget that if you use some countries as providers of natural resources, you have to be ready that the only way they can survive is to get their moner for these resourses.

The message of this post ought to be shouted from the housetops. Alternative energy is the key. Yet the leadership of the energy companies, the leadership of the archaic, dead from the neck up auto industry and the traditional college professors who churn out the same hide-bound graduates seems impossible to change.

The US grew strong based on cheap gasoline. For myriad reasons, cheap gasoline is gone. There are significant alternatives staring us in the s[ace, particularly from research fostered

Alternative energy is NOT the answer. Gas prices can easily be brought down

I don't mind drilling in Anwar. That would be fine. Just don't drill in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

When I read all the comments before mine, I see many places where are in worst conditions as fur as the prices of gas. But the true is that each place has its own reality. This is due to the local economy of each place. In Puerto Rico for instance the price per litter today is $0.80 cents but it was not long ago, 3 months when the price was $0,32 cents.
And if you take in consideration that we have no rights to choose from whom to buy the gas, becuase our political situation as a US Territory (Colony). Would you believe even many of the local products made on the island must leave the island and the reutrn before we can purchase it; an d of course all that after all the shipping, taxes and fees are add it to the price.
I really hope some day we be able to get find other sources of energy, or else, We, at least in Puerto Rico, will be back to ride on bikes first and then horses or mules. It seems that the stone age will come back around.

AMEN to DOnald stating about sending a tough business mind leader! We people with guts not a heart in the way these prices are affecting America! DOnald my money is on you! I will wirte to the president on your behalf asking him to give that some thought!

You are an inspiration to me!

Resepctfully,


K. Furman

As long as alternative energy sources cost more than oil they will remain merely an alternative.

you are a real estate mogul; buy a field and a refinery, drive out the local competition, and when regional distributors catch wind of your cheap and local offering, it will spread nationally, and enable you to purchase more fields and fund a cheaper source of oil.

Its very simple to solve this problem,The whole problem is because very powerful people is making a great revenue at the gas at this price,its ridiculous for the normal people, the tax payers pay that price but its great for the politician and especially for the Bush family that own oil company.The whole Iraq war was to have a excuse to put the gas price high,now is easy to say that Iraq pumps its not working so the oil gas have to go up because of the opec,como on who they want to full anything that the United States want for the rest of the world they can get.Imagine how many people is laughing now that the have inside information to buy oil stocks before the war.The whole War was about Oil and the American People pay had to pay the price twice,first with the war cost and now with high cost of oil.

Too much damage has already been done to land and its animals from oil. If we manage to somehow live on this Earth for many more years, we'll eventually run into more problems with using oil. Save what we have for emergency vehicles and find alternative sources of energy. Put the space program on hold since we'll only be ruining space the same way we're ruining the Earth. Oil costs money, but it makes money and going for a cheaper energy source will mean gas stations and their owners losing money and they wouldn't want that. But there are more important things than money. Like being able to afford heat and travel sources. Stop making the huge gas-guzzling vehicles and make solar cars more affordable so people can actually afford to buy them. It would be much more safe for the environment. We won't need oil once global warming gets worse, anyway. We think we have disasters now, but wait until we keep ignoring the problems we're creating.

Here in rural South Dakota they are actually charging $3.07+ a gallon. Wasn't it just a couple years ago that the price for gas was about half that? If this isn't price gouging, I don't know what is.

They can't really blame the Middle East or the Gulf Coast which only account for about 10% and 7% respectively of oil production used in the USA. What about the 83% that comes from other sources? If we in this country has so much petroleum available, then why are gas prices so high and rising? Looks like price gouging to me...

We have a fuel produced from sunlight and water. This fuel emits water vapor. Major auto manufacturers have prototypes. Major auto fuel distributors have protptype distribution centers.
If we had a dynamic leader who could marshall the auto manufacturers, the auto fuel distributors, the political machinery, and the financiers and get them into one place (a major resort with convention amenities) and say to them "If the future of the world depended on getting this up and running ASAP- how soon could we do this with infinite resources? When we had the answer- then tell them "Make it so".
The answer is hydrogen, the time is now, and the person who makes it so, will go down in history as one of the great leaders of the 21st century.
Is there someone here who can make it so?

Well, it's not going to get any better: we're at or very near the peak of oil production (see my link for more info). Donald, I'd be interested to know what you make of the issue of peak oil. All the best..
James

Aren't we here to learn SUCCESS? Anyone remember 'pre-oil' when whales were the driving force? I can't wait for Alternative Energy! I like the comment on drilling in Anwar is okay but not in Anwar!!!!! Heck, they help the wildlife more than hurt the environment! I'm a conservationist, but not an Enviro-nut!!!
Save that rock,starve your neighbor!
I liked the comment on riding bikes! Do what it takes. Who is ready to champion a worthy cause such as this topic points out?????? Personally, I dont like spending more, but hey! Walk, ride or get out of the way! And Mr. Trump...I voted for that crazy little businessman with the big ears for President just for the very reason you stated!!!!!! We need businesspeople not politicians running things! Well...the banks run things moreso, so what's the big deal? Oil is DOWN anyway-check it out. Gouging at the pumps? Yeah Yeah Businesses have to have PROFITS to continue and EMPLOY people! Besides, they have some repairs to make! It sure doesnt come free! Ever see a benefit for the oil companies having to fix their platforms? Gee! They don't hang out begging for handouts from the government which gets the money from taxes paid(hopefully)

alternative energy is here and its been here for some time now. There is no profit in it though. If you could make trillions in the oil industry, what is your incentive to help those so called debtors and the little people? Alternative energy is cheap and affordable, and clean for the enviroment.

I find the term "Enviro-nut" to be offensive. It's easy for people to say, "We need oil and that's more important than any animals" but if you keep killing off other species and habitats, it'll eventually have a huge effect on humans. Everything on this Earth is part of the whole picture. You can ruin some parts of it, but if you mess with the wrong part, it will all crash down on us. We need those Enviro-nuts to keep the sense around here. You'd be out there ruining anything you have to just to get some oil and not even consider what you're doing in the long run. Besides, many years from now, when the ice caps are melting and flooding us all, people will be screaming "Why is this happening?!" because they didn't stop and think about the future when they were out wrecking things.

America is geographically a huge country and therefore developing a reliable nationwide mass transit system is not feasible. Americans need and depend upon their automobiles, if for nothing more than getting to work. Twice in the 1970's America faced a real crisis with gas shortages and rationing. In the thirty-one years since, what have our elected officials in Washington done to make America less dependent upon foreign oil? Virtually nothing. Politicans give the perception they are doing something

Much talk has been made over the price of gas and its alternatives. Of those that exist today, E85 seems to be neglected. I have heard your viewpoint, as others visiting your blog or in venues such as the Tonight Show, and assert that you not only confront energy policy on the foreign front but also the alternatives offered domestically. E85 has ascended alongside regular unleaded gasoline since oil has taken its climb, and like myself, most consumers have considered it an impasse as much as its foreign counterpart. I urge you to step into this domestic matter before you trump any oil affairs overseas.

rather than complaining about rising oil prices, why aren't people investing in promising energy companies and taking advantage of the rising prices?

The question of alternative fuels is very nice. However, since the general public has neither the means or ability to modify our vehicles to use them, it is a pointless discussion. And the government is certainly not going to, nor are they obligated to, replace our vehicles for us at no cost. Most folks cannot even afford the cars they have now, much less trade it in for new cars with even higher price tags in the name of alternative fuel. That is a solution that will be a more long term objective. So how do we stop the bleeding now? We stop buying oil overseas period. Drill in ANWAR, the caribou will be fine. I have seen this place, it is flat and ugly, covered with tundra, and it will recover just fine. And the funny thing about animals, they will just go around it. Oil companies are very cautios of the environment these days. They are not going to be pouring oil out onto the ground to kill the animals. It would not be very cost effective anyways. The pipeline is already in operation, has been since the 70s. I think our government listens to far too many people who are not affected

Kudos to you SCOTT! Thanks for a defined factual response! I care alot about animals and the environment-the NUTS are just that...NUTS! Misconstrued and manipulated THEORIES that some are emotionally believing in(like I did when I was younger). If you really believe in something so much-WALK everywhere and support your cause with ACTIONS! I like SHANEs comment alot!!!! In fact, I like to say that to people that are whining....instead of WINNING! As for the political comments- NEW FACES DO NOT EQUATE TO NEW ACTIONS THAT SOLVE ANYTHING!
Wake up and dig deeper and get involved, I think you would be surprised(as I have been). Liberal at 20 and Conservative at 40 ring any bells in the memory banks?
Anyway, oil is DOWN and yeah it will be tougher paying for winter heating....GET OUT AND EARN MORE MONEY AND BE WISER WITH IT SO YOU CAN LIVE!!!

Rising gas prices and heating bills which equate to rising food prices and cost of living are putting an even greater financial strain on our hardworking poor, our middleclass, our single parents, our elderly. We will see elderly not make it through this winter because they are unable to afford the heating fuel. These prices and the cost of living increase is putting a terrible financial strain and burden on people. This, to me is unconcionable. For a country as great as ours to allow this to go on tells me our leaders and our president are far out of touch with the average working American household. And what will these increasing gas prices do to our economy as a whole? Where are we headed with this? Can't something be done right now to ease this burden before it gets even bigger and more out of control? Even a temporary fix for now until the logistics of the problem can be figured out, like relying on our own oil supplies. I am not educated in financial affairs, I am just a hardworking widow of two grown children, without any kind of health insurance or retirment, who is concerned about others in this country that have even less than I. But I think it is wrong for a country not to take care of it's own people. Mr. Trump, you are obviously a very smart man, if you can use your power, and money and knowledge and influence to help this country with this energy crisis, I know the people of this country would be very grateful. I saw you on the tonight show, and it was powerful that you stated the oil prices should be negotiated

Rising gas prices, heating fuel, and the increasing costs of living this is creating is placing a huge financial burden on the poor working class, the middleclass, the single parent, and the elderly in this country. This winter we will see more elderly not make it through the winter because they can not afford the heating bill. Our people are suffering now, and will suffer more because of this. This to me is unconscionable. Our politial leaders and our president seem very out of touch with the average household in this country. Something needs to be done and right away. Mr. Trump, I saw you on the Tonight show, and it was powerful when you stated you could think of 25 people you know that could negotiate lower oil prices for our country. I believe you. Would our leaders allow a business person to negotiate for us? Probably not. I am angered that something could be done, but our leaders are not taking advantage of any and every possibility to stop rising prices of fuel. Mr. Trump, I am not financially knowlegeable like you, but I believe that people like yourself could help this country and it's people out of this crisis. I believe you when you say the heads of oil producing countries are laughing at us. Keep speaking out Mr. Trump. You are a wise financial leader and people will listen to you. Our country needs to take care of it's own.

The sad part is, even if wages do increase proportionately to the rise in gasoline, so will the cost of everything else. So in essence nothing changes, and the same problem is still there. I make about 7000 a month on average. Which really does not go far. If my income doubled that would change many things. But, if my income doubles and so does my rent, and my car payment and child support and insurance and god only know what else I lose double because now my taxes are even more. Raising wages is not the answer.

When I heard these similar comments from you on a late-night talk show recently, I was excited and relieved to hear someone of such influence come out so strongly against these gas prices. But I think even Jay Leno put the question to you ... what do we do? How do we, the general American public, send the message to the White House, and to the oil companies, that (a) we know these prices are not "necessary" (i.e. profit margins are outrageous and practically unethical) and (b) we won't tolerate it anymore? I agree that we need a representative higher up to take direct action, but I also think the voice of the average American is relatively silent (yes, there's a lot of complaining, but no action).

So what's the action that will make a difference? A one-day boycott on all travel, supported

All we need are a few words from "The Donald" and the price of gas would go down. Donald needs to buy up all the gas stations in this country, and lower the gas prices as a tax write off.

Keep up all the good work.

Warm regards,

Ken Crowe, Founder/CEO
CroweInformationnet.com

Gas prices are impacting every American and even foreign countries. The oil Companies and Banks are taking in record profits and the public is suffering. Let's do something about it. Boycotting the Oil Companies will not work. We all need gas and petroleum products are in most of the products that we use. Let's boycott the economy for a few days in order that we may have a better economy for years to come. STOP SHOPPING. That is the answer. Do not buy cars, clothes, furniture, appliances, etc.. for about 10 days and demand that gas prices drop to $1.75 per gal. This price is at a level that the consumer has become accustomed to and clearly is a level at which the oil companies can make a fair profit based upon 2004 oil company profit statements. Let's organize for a better economy which will create a better work environment. For more information read an article titled "America, they are betting against you" at Prosperous10000.iblogs.com
May God give you the desires of your heart and make all of your plans succeed.

From Energy to Energy -

Everything is Energy
Energy "Looks" at Energy
Energy Interacts with Energy
Energy is Constantly Changing into Different Shapes and Forms
There is Plenty of Energy Everywhere
Thoughts Shape Energy
Thoughts are Energy
Energy is Thoughts
Thoughts are Things
Thoughts Create Things
Things Are Energy
Energy is Always Changing
Energy is Always Thought into New Shapes and Forms
Energy Creates New Shapes and Forms out of Energy
Love Is Harmony
Harmony is Love
Love is Energy in Harmony with Itself
Harmony is Energy in Love

thank you!

Walter (Just a Little bit of Energy)
Energy in the Shape of Walter
Changes All the Time
Time Changes All
All Changes Time
All Changes in Time
All Changes With Time
Time Is Energy
Energy is Time Changing
Think This is Right
or Think This is Wrong
Either Way it is Still All Energy

Enjoy!
Your Time Here is Energy
In a Certain Shape and Form
That is Constantly Changing
Constant Change is That Energy
That Makes Up
All that is Made Up of Energy -
Thoughts are Always Changing
and
Changing always Creates Different Thoughts
Which are All the Same Energy
In Different Forms

<http://www.qpg.com/custom/theartoftimemone_f.pdf>

I agree with Mr.Trump, but we must also look at ourselves. Look at the vehicles a lot of people are driving. I have one customer who is driving one of the biggest pick-up trucks made and for what? It's just town driving for him. It's not necessary.

Donald Trump for President 2008! ;-)

If you wish to know why energy prices will keep on rising read this article:

http://www.intellectualconservative.com/2008/04/15/energy-2008-the-co...

Thank you so much for your comment i read all your books and have always considered you one of the smartest people on views about business and goverment.
We should send to over to negotiate oil pricing we'd end up paying .50 a gallon.
I,m wondering why the oil company's are so quick to rise the price of gas when barrel price goes up a small amount or two days before a storm even if it doesn’t hit.But when barrel price has dropped $47 we have not seen any drop in gas price.It seems like for every $5 a barrel it goes up gas goes up .10 a gallon but when gas drops $47 we see no drop in gallon price?
WHY AREN'T THESE OIL PEOPLE NAILED FOR THIS GOUGING IF ANY OTHER COMPANY TIED TO DO THIS THEY WOULD BE DESTROYED BY THE GOV. ARE OIL COMPANY'S ABOVE THE LAW CAN THEY DO ANYTHING THEY WANT?
Another idea why don't the greedy oil companies give the victims of IKE a break with cheap gas to help them deal with there misfortune or free gas which will never happen.
But wait the only thing they donate to is there pocket book come on we are all americans help out or are they in there own little greedy world and could care less about the country or it's people?

Thank you again
It's people like you and your father that have made this country great
David Salverson

I'd like to know if we are getting what we are paying for at the pumps years ago they use to post the tested octane on each pump.But in the last few years i haven't see it on any pump is the gov.still testing or don't they care anymore?Maybe that's why it's seems like the mpg on everyone's car has gone down maybe we are not getting 97 octane but 60 octane how does anyone know?A great way to get people to use more gas without them knowing.

David Salverson

Here we go again oil barrel price closes at $91 but do we see it at the pump NO,it went up to $4.09 when it was $147 a barrel it's now $4.39 here where i live.Aren't i right thinking that now that it's $56 cheaper it should be cheaper at the pump but wait i use a different math then the oil companys i guess,should i buy them a new calculator one that knows how to subtract not just add .Does it have to go down to $5 a barrel before we see gas at $4.00 again.

The average American has a car for five years or less. To see how this works, steer yourself to the Personal Money Store <a href="http://personalmoneystore.com/moneyblog/2009/01/21/payday-loans... payday loans</a> money blog. This is one of the main factor affects the economical crisis right now. Oil inflation cause people to choose commuting rather using their car because of the too much price of gasoline. Also oil industry use to increase oil price because of the demand of people. We can see that when people limit their use of gasoline this leads for the oil companies to fall oil price. Even though it has been dropping over the last few months, the cost of gasoline is expected to rise again over the next year or two. More and more people are going to think about saving money on gas by buying electric or hybrid cars. What you probably don't know is that a hybrid may not save you that much. If you drive a hybrid, the savings from gasoline amounts to a few hundred dollars a year at most – about the same as most payday loans. If you are saving less than, say, $500 a year on gas with a hybrid, and you paid an extra $4,000 for the car itself, then you will have to own the car for over eight years before it has paid for itself. The average American has a car for five years or less.