Pumping Away All Our Money

I just caught wind that gas prices in Ashland, Nebraska are going to be increased by about ten cents by tomorrow. We think, Hey, what's ten cents matter? It is exactly this mentality that allows gas prices to continue to skyrocket.

According to the USA National Gas Price Heat Map at Gas Buddy, almost all areas in the U.S. are currently at ridiculous gas prices. With only four counties in the entire U.S. (that I could count) at less than $3.50/gallon, some areas are experiencing up to $4.20/gallon and higher! Just two years ago, gas prices were down to a national average of about $2.69/gallon. The next year began with an average of about $3.58/gallon. What happened to this?

Commodities
Crude Oil	96.80	- 0.38%
Natural Gas	3.01	+ 0.47%
Gasoline	3.05	+0.12%
Heating Oil	3.18	- 0.18%
Gold	1733.48	+ 0.42%
Silver	33.47	- 0.12%
Copper	3.70	- 0.39%

(Chart found at Oil Price)

Why are gas prices still increasing? Let's ask our government officials.