The Cost of Doing Business

I'm reasding about the hikes in gas prices recently, and it really makes me wonder how these companies get away with riobbing consumers.

It essentially comes down to operating expenses, or what we say is the cost of doing business. Pipeline problems, refinery fixes, etc seem to be the cost of bringing the product to the consumer...that's their business, right?

Most "normal" businesses have to purchase new equipment or replace worn out equipment all the time. In mkost circumstances, those costs are absorbed and not passed along to customers.

So why, then, do we the consumer have to pay for the costs of doing business for the oil industry? If you think about it, it seems ridiculous, especially when you see what their profits are! Think about it when you fill up this weekend!