Me thinks it's time to start drilling for US oil in Alaska!

In spite of the record gas prices, the AAA says that more Americans will be traveling this year over Memorial Day weekend. Some 3.4 percent more people - or about 31 million travelers - will drive 50 miles or more to their destinations, with another four million heading out by plane. AAA credits the recovering economy for the increased travel. "This year, travelers have largely ignored some higher costs in their desire to return to their traveling ways," AAA vice president Sandra Hughes said in a release issued Tuesday.

Bush may streamline fuel blends

The number of blends of gasoline could be reduced as the White House studies ways to alleviate high gas prices. The Associated Press reports that Commerce Secretary Donald Evans and his department are studying ways to reduce gasoline prices - and one way could be to streamline the number of gasoline blends. "We've got to think real hard whether we need 17, 18, 19, 20, whatever it is, different varieties of fuel in this country," Evans told the AP. Referring to some of the blends as "boutique fuels," Evans joined Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham in examining the status of gas blends offered in states like California and New York. One possible solution, the Commerce Secretary suggested, would be to waive the requirements for the special blends, which could ease supply constraints and thus lower prices.


Source: Daily Edition

Saudi attacks to bring higher pump prices

New terrorist attacks in Saudi Arabia's oil-rich eastern provinces appear to have dashed hopes that the price of gasoline might finally begin to level out or even ease back a bit. The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries had started to ramp up production and non-OPEC producers such as Russia also began to raise the exports of crude oil. However, experts said the bloody assault on oil-company employees in Khobar, Saudi Arabia, is certain to push the price of crude higher despite the increase in supply. In any event oil ministers from Venezuela and Saudi Arabia cautioned that part of the price increase probably is permanent. Meanwhile, the rising price of gasoline is beginning to have an adverse impact on the larger economy, according to a trio of new surveys. The University of Michigan's closely watched Index of Consumer Sentiment dropped in May. Economists blamed the four-point drop, to 90.2, on rising gas prices and the unsettling news from Iraq.

Travel up 3% despite gas cost in Southern Califonia. About 80% of the 3 million area residents who went more than 50 miles over the holiday drove, experts say.

Gas prices were about 50 cents a gallon highter than last year, but that did not deter road trips because driving was still cheaper than flying.

Source: LA Times and AAA

...but that did not deter road trips because driving was still cheaper than flying.

Ernie - I've driven on THE FIVE ... does the LA Times and AAA consider a C-5 on THE FIVE to be driving ... or flying!?