Devoted to purchasing, purchasing agents, and all things related

Just the other day, I was reading this Procurement post that mentioned outrageous gas prices.  I was compelled to leave my comments.

Today, I went to Purchasing.com and found this post citing what can now be considered "the usual reasons" (political turmoil in other parts of the world) for gas price increases.

Who is kidding whom here?  When will someone mention corporate greed?  (Whatever happened to all the political blustering about price gouging after Hurricane Katrina?  I haven't heard anything concrete, meaningful, or useful.  Have you?) 

Buyers are well aware of price fluctuation due to supply and demand.  Here's the thing - if prices are being affected by a demand shortage - shouldn't there be an ACTUAL shortage somewhere?

You can read another example of "supply and demand" reasoning at the comments post I mentioned above.

It boils down to this:  No matter what has happened in the world, politically and weather-wise over the past three years, the question is mind-numbingly simple: Has there been a gas shortage shortage in your area?  Indeed, has there or is there one anywhere in America? 

(The only and obvious exception to my point is if your local gas station happens to have been physically destroyed in a hurricane.)

I know there are readers of this blog all over America as well as in other countries.  Weigh in.  Let's find out the truth!  Is there or is there not gas (at an outrageously inflated price, no less) in your local pumps?