Want to pay less for gas? Then buy less!
With gas prices hovering near $3 per gallon, the government is making noises about getting involved to get a handle on rising oil prices. Republican Senator Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania Sunday said the government should consider a tax on oil companies if they make excessive profits amid the rising prices. Specter, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said such a windfall profits tax, along with stronger antitrust laws, could help bring down gas prices.
I am not a big fan on uses taxes to discourage or encourage certain behavior, although it does have its place. I would rather use the free market as a way to keep gas prices under control. If you want to pay less for gas, then you have to take steps to lower your gas consumption. A little internet research came up with this…
1. Keep your tires inflated to their proper pressure.
2. Use the air conditioner selectively.
3. Do the speed limit.
4. Maintain your vehicle.
5. Make more efficient trips.
Will this bring down the price of gas tomorrow? Probably not. But there will be less money coming out of your pocket to the oil companies. I don’t expect gas prices to drop anytime soon. I do expect to make better use of my time and money buy putting less in the tank.
