What I wouldn't do for your Fuel Prices  

You are right. I too worry regarding fuel prices. But it will be always advisable to remember basic principles.

I'm a cyclist... :-)But seriously, you are quite right to say that most of the price that we pay is due to the tax imposed by the greedy British Government. and even though it does not directly affect me, being, as I said, a cyclist, it affects everybody because of the higher costs imposed on the transport industry. Costs which are then passed on to everybody. And it's not just fuel, I just got a ticket to fly to the US which cost me nearly GB600 nearly half of that is tax!

(*lovingly chuckling*)
Not the first time I've heard this claim. Completely understandable 4ft.
You actually make a good point of the independent petrol stations. In fact a few of the ones stateside were either bought up, or busted out of business.

$7.87 a gallon? I think some people stateside may quit (or really reduce) their driving and gasoline consumption, but not the majority. Fact is, the society, living spaces, communities, suburbs/non-cities are all built so the people are dependent on the car. Thinking about it, people would be livid with those kinds of prices (and thats putting it very nicely).

Prices are also up due to the recent spike (as of this response: 3.37 at the lowest, 4.12 at the highest) http://www.californiagasprices.com/
The summer blends will be more expensive too. And great thing for the citizens, they've got representatives like John Dingbat, I meant Dingell proposing a 50 cent tax per gallon (added to the 40-50 cent total taxes on a gallon of gasoline).

So maybe the US will see 5, 6, 7, or 8 dollars per gallon: either by economics or by politicians.