With the exception of the Union City CNG station, which is at the Union City Public Works yard, and has been $2.27 per gge for months, all other CNG stations in the SF Bay Area have been increasing their prices like crazy... the Pinnacle stations (e.g., Santa Clara) just recently had another increase from $2.77 to $3.15! The airport and PG&E stations appear to be increasing as well.
What gives? Everything I've read is that CNG (methane) is a domestic resource in the US... is it tied to the market speculators that appear to be driving up gasoline prices? UT prices are still < $1, but, I see they've risen in the year from ~$0.68 to ~$0.82... (there's a good description out on the UT portion of the forum as to why UT's prices are so low).
I find it hard to believe that supply and demand forces are at work. Heck, it's the summer time, so homes aren't even using the gas to heat their homes.
Anyway... it seems the consumer is getting reemed once again thru what appears to be price fixing / collusion. Lack of regulation over something that is a necessity and controlled by so few is ripe for this type of behavior. This is not a market that is able to remain in check thru natural competition.
Any insights / suggestions for action is appreciated.
What gives? Everything I've read is that CNG (methane) is a domestic resource in the US... is it tied to the market speculators that appear to be driving up gasoline prices? UT prices are still < $1, but, I see they've risen in the year from ~$0.68 to ~$0.82... (there's a good description out on the UT portion of the forum as to why UT's prices are so low).
I find it hard to believe that supply and demand forces are at work. Heck, it's the summer time, so homes aren't even using the gas to heat their homes.
Anyway... it seems the consumer is getting reemed once again thru what appears to be price fixing / collusion. Lack of regulation over something that is a necessity and controlled by so few is ripe for this type of behavior. This is not a market that is able to remain in check thru natural competition.
Any insights / suggestions for action is appreciated.
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