What's going on with oil prices?

There is a strong consensus that speculation has played an outsized role in the price extremes we have seen in recent years. Speculators from giant banks, hedge funds, and even pension funds ''bet'' on which way the fuel market will move, hoping to make money from their investments.

Speculators don't use or deliver a single drop of fuel. For them, volatility isn't a problem; it's an opportunity. But homeowners get caught in the whipsaw effect of increased costs and uncertainty, and it hits them in their wallets. For fuel dealers, the cost of hedging programs - the ''tool'' we use to protect your price - has risen dramatically.

Unfortunately, proposed regulations that would make it harder for excessive speculation to occur remain in flux. We've already urged our senators and congressional representatives to stay on top of this issue so speculators stop making profits on the backs of hard working families. Join us in this effort by contacting your representatives today.

By March 2011, speculators owned about seven times more crude oil than what could be stored at the world's largest oil storage facility in Cushing, Okla., which can hold more than 46 million barrels.

What you can do

In this kind of environment, it's hard to plan and make decisions that are likely to pay off. In fact, it's easy to make some bad moves. One thing that always pays off no matter whether prices rise or fall is to cut your fuel consumption. We can be a great help in this effort.

We have a range of new equipment options that can cut your bills by up to 30%. Our tune-ups and service plans can reduce your costs.

We value your business and we will continue doing everything possible to give you the best value and service for your hard-earned money.