[Graeme]

Getting Shafted By Energy Suppliers

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('', 'L')et's start with petrol prices which we are told result from the upward spiral of crude costs caused by shortage of supplystorms in the Gulf of Mexico, lower stock levels, lack of US refining capacity and increased demand from emerging economies. One other factor needs to be included - GREED, especially on the part of the speculators (oil traders), oil companies and governments.

Our government is in the frame for retaining the extra five-cent levy imposed earlier this year when it continues to tax petrol on a percentage of a sale price, not a fixed amount per unit of volume. Despite the lame comments made to me by the Finance Minister (copies available on request) the tax take on petroleum products has produced an unbudgeted tax windfall. The government's take from petrol taxes has increased by around 40 percent so far this year (way more than five cents a litre).

[BabyPeanut]

What shortage of supplystorms?

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('', 'I') blame the oil traders and oil companies, aided an abetted by governments.

[rogerhb]

I thought the mantra during the Reagan era was greed is good, why not now all of a sudden?