That there are other markets for oil is certainly true.

What's also true is the oil companies nefarious schemes to raise prices. The recent pipeline scare, for instance. I'll always believe Rove or someone got to them with the word. Mid-term.

I don't doubt for a second they are looking forward to the "crunch", and need as much demand as possible for it.

I suspect they'd like to make $1 a gallon on 30 billion gallons rather than 40 cents on 40 billion. Less production costs, etc.

Two interesting facts are that the oil companies own the outfits which manufacture solar panels, and the cost of the things is remarkably similar. And it's high enough that only in extreme conditions can they compete with hydrocarbons.

I know, the panels are similar and the costs should be similar. Like cars.

Labor, taxes, materials are different all over the world. A lot of 'em are made in Spain, not the highest wage place in the world.

Arf