The President doesn’t set gas prices

Oil is a commodity. The price is set by the market.

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GerOttman · 70-79, M

and what happens when the availability of a commodity is manipulated by the political process for a political end? like now for instance?

whowasthatmaskedman · 70-79, M

@GerOttman Actually, this has happened before. In the potato famine in Ireland, the crops failed due to blight and the government didnt allow the price of potatoes to rise. That kept the people happy, right up until the potatoes ran out leaving the population without a staple food for months. There was a massive famine and thousands starved. This caused the massive Irish exodus to America. So where do you recommend all the Americans who have no gasoline go?

GerOttman · 70-79, M

@whowasthatmaskedman that's kind of the other way around and so of limited relevance

whowasthatmaskedman · 70-79, M

@GerOttman Its actually exactly the same issue. But an example of what happens if you DONT allow the price to rise so usage drops in line with supply.😷

GerOttman · 70-79, M

@whowasthatmaskedman I don't agree, it's the supply which is being manipulated in this case, not the price.