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It is funny tho when you think about it... Although engines today are extremely efficient when compared to 100 years ago, it seems that if IC engine technology had increased at the same rate at the rest of the vehicle systems and construction has, the CAFE would be something considerably north of it's current low 20mpg....
Lower real gasoline prices over the long term happened because of market competition and technology, but the technology part was largely driven by the market competition.
Here in north central Indiana I just had to pay $1.95/gal for 87 octane! Of course around this town most of the stations are owned by the same company so they think nothing of raping their customers. We consistently pay .20 or more per gallon than any surrounding town. It's a freaking ripoff!
So far I've managed to stay under $2.00 a gallon, with this price hike. Does anyone remember Odd-Even gas rationing? That sucked, had to get up at 3 AM, sneak to a gas station that was Closed, and fill up my work truck so I could make a living. Always would have someone pull up on me and get in an arguement with me and the station owner, even though we had all the lights out!
Yeah, when I saw those prices at the beggining of the thread I thought, "Wow, we're sure taking on the chin up here", we're still at 2.05 for the cheapest in town. -TD