Introduction
In today’s economy, one of the biggest concerns is the rising price
of fuel and how to save that precious commodity. The sharp increase in
gas prices has forced consumers to rethink its consumption patterns and
looks for ways to conserve. As the world supply of oil diminishes,
petrol prices will begin a steady but inexorable rise that will
inevitably impact consumers. Beyond the economic concerns, there exists
an environmental impact that will affect this generation and the next.
Reasons to Save Petrol
There are many reasons for the growing trend of consumer conservation
of gasoline. First and foremost, gas prices have risen dramatically
since 1996. In 1996 the price of a gallon of premium gasoline for the
following countries was: Belgium $3.95, France $3.93, Germany $4.07,
Italy $3.89, Netherlands $4.32, UK $3.20 and US $1.27. The largest
increase in gas prices occurred in July 2008. The price of a gallon of
premium gasoline on July 14, 2008 was reported as follows: Belgium
$9.40, France $8.95, Germany $9.27, Italy $9.23, Netherlands $10.16, UK
$9.02, and US $4.34. Gas prices have slowly been decreasing. The price
of a gallon of premium gasoline on February 16, 2009 has been reported
as follows: Belgium $5.64, France $5.54, Germany $5.73, Italy $5.49,
Netherlands $6.21, UK $4.87 and US $2.20.
The strain of consumers paying for higher fuel costs have further
damaged already weakened economies. The priority has become to buy only
the necessary items. Gasoline, food, housing are the basic necessities.
The ripple effect is that consumer has less discretionary income.
Vacations are postponed. Social activities such as movies and concerts
are not in the budget. This affects the way consumers live. While it
costs more for the daily commute, salaries are not keeping pace.
Meanwhile there are worldwide layoffs, business closings and the
mortgage crisis that has affected most families.
Another important reason for conservation is the environmental
concerns of fuel consumption. Carbon dioxide emissions have increased
due to use of fossil fuels which include gasoline, natural gas, and
coal. This has created global warming. As evidence of global warming,
global average surface temperature has risen .6 degrees Celsius in the
20th century. There has been a 10% decrease in snow cover and ice extent
since the 1960s. The global average seal level has risen .1 to .2 meters
in the 20th century. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
estimate that if trends continue, by the year 2100, global temperatures
could increase by 2.7 to 10.4 degrees Fahrenheit.
A limited oil supply is also another basis for the call for
conservation. World oil production has weakened due to the lowering oil
price. There have been delays in oil projects in Canada and Venezuela
coupled with diminished production in Iraq and Iran. The International
Energy Agency project that the world supply and demand will raise to 106
million bpd in 2030. The 2008 production was 86.4 million bpd. A
shortage is expected.
In conclusion, there are many reasons why people should reduce or
save gasoline consumption. The rising cost of gasoline, concern for the
effect of carbon dioxide emissions on the environment and the limited
supply of oil are important issues that will face this generation and
the next. |
