Like everyone else, I’m not happy when I fill my tank and see an $80 total. Most of me believes it is the oil conglomerates taking advantage of the sanctions against Russia, using it as another excuse to raise prices and profit.
Of course, the accuracy of that opinion won’t be verified until the oil companies report earnings. If they show a huge increase in profit when they release quarterly reports to shareholders, our federal legislators should take action of some kind to control gas prices, and stop the gouging.
That being said, I know the cost for a barrel of oil has risen to highs not seen for more than a decade, but the pain I’m feeling at the pump is something I’m willing to bear, as the cost of supporting sanctions on Russia, Putin, and his oligarchs.
I remind myself that the pain in my wallet is nothing compared to the pain being felt by the Ukrainian people fighting for their survival against the onslaught of the Russian military.
Because the sanctions imposed thus far hasn’t changed Putin’s attitude, it’s time to place an embargo on Russian oil. Strangling Putin’s source of income by ending his oil sales to the West is the best way to hit him where it would really hurt.
Putin started an unprovoked war against Ukraine with no provocation, and if sanctions can weaken his grip of power in Russia, then I’m willing to pay the price at the pumps.
Energy analysts predict that price will reach $5 per gallon in Pennsylvania.
If it does, I may have to get myself a bicycle. I heard a self-described bottom-feeding blogger in Nazareth has a few. I’ll steal one of his.
