gpcooper3

US Oil Companies Borrow A Page From OPEC's Playbook

That simply proves my point. Decreased supply of refined products contrasted against an increasing demand of refined products will only cause prices to go up.

If and only if the supply of alternatives to refined products exceeds the increased rate of consumption of energy will the demand for refined products reduce and cause a decrease in the price of gasoline. I don't see that happening anytime soon, especially in the face of reduced refining capabilities.

The decoulping of crude prices and gas prices means that profit margins will increase. So wouldn't this qualify as artificially induced inflation since there is an intentional effort to not invest in production capabilities? I think they have become accustomed to the higher margins.