Oil Production, Gas Prices

Richard B. Anderson’s April 8 commentary sent a chill through me. The predictions of supply and demand of oil are most likely true. What is more frightening is that the people who can actually do something about this problem will probably ignore it. Politicians seem to be congenitally shortsighted about such issues, and why would the oil companies want to change the status quo?

The shock waves to the American economy of steadily rising oil prices should not be underestimated. I can only hope that someone in a position of power will take heed, but it doesn’t seem likely. However, I am grateful that Anderson has given voice to this very serious concern.

SANDRA COURSER

Sherman Oaks

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I continue to be amazed by the lack of interest by the various news agencies, government organizations, watchdog groups and, most of all, the common person driving around L.A. concerning the price of gasoline. It seems that everyone has just accepted the unbelievable price increases without a whimper. I know the Kosovo crisis is tragic, but please, do we need to just roll over and take this?

The price of fuel here is anywhere from 50 to 75 cents a gallon more than anywhere else in the U.S. My fear is that now that the price of gasoline is almost $2 a gallon, it will never go back down. At least not appreciably. The price will now remain at this much higher level, marking huge profit levels for the companies to maintain in the future.

DAVID MECEY

Brentwood

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There is a bright side to the oil companies’ price-fixing and gouging practices: A month ago it took several minutes to pump $10 worth of gasoline; now it only takes half the time.

TIMOTHY BLACK

Laguna Beach