Question the Timing of Gas-Price Increase

“Wholesale Gas Prices Rise Again on Refinery Glitch” [Sept. 1] raises so many credibility questions that I hardly know where to begin.

First, if we are to believe that gas prices are rising because of refinery glitches, then why do prices at all stations rise simultaneously? Are we to believe that all stations get their gas from the same refinery?

Also, wouldn’t some of the stations still have gas in their storage tanks that was bought at the lower wholesale rate before these refineries had their mysterious “glitches” and therefore have lower prices?

Or should we believe what the real truth is, which is that oil companies are raising prices to gouge consumers in a high consumption period during Labor Day?

Frankly, I am getting very impatient with getting these terrible nonsequiturs from oil and energy companies trying to get unwitting consumers to believe that rising prices are something more than just simple greed.

Robert M. Caldwell

Newport Beach

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I read the story on the spike in gas prices with a groan. How often does the price of gas have to skyrocket “just in time” for a long holiday weekend before the media sees a “glitch,” as you reported it with a straight face, for what it is?

The only “glitch” is the one that occurred in the last election when two oil company executives were selected to be the leaders of this country.

John Darling

Ventura