Every 6 years or so (I'm rounding) gas prices rise, and the results are predictable: Price go up because of some supply shock, the news starts to cover it, people start to complain, politicians start to rumble about price gouging and restricting prices, supply increases, prices fall, and everyone calms down.
While higher gas prices can be caused by a number of things (supply decreases both domestic and international,demand increases, increased taxes,...), there is only one guaranteed, fool-proof, tested, economically justified way for you, as an individual, to lower gas prices: COMPLAIN!
Oh wait, that's not right. No it's: DRIVE LESS!
So here's my once every 6 year reminder (I'm rounding) of the economics of the Env-Econ Drive Less! solution to higher gas prices.
April 26, 2006: I launch the Drive Less! campaign on NPR
January 17, 2012: Here we go again.
April 25, 2019: GASP! $4 gas is here...what should we do?
Consumers could start driving less, rethinking large purchases and changing their summer travel plans should the national average price near $3.25 per gallon, [AAA spokesperson Jeanette] Casselano said. While the national average probably won't hit $4, Casselano said $3.25 is possible.
[emphasis added]
Glad to see the Drive Less! campaign is having an impact.