... it is a global market now. The demand for crude is up all over the world as economies recover. China is especially eager for oil right now. In addition, due to environmental restrictions, there are no new refineries in the US. The east coast imports somewhere around 1/3 of their gasoline already refined. Also, the trend towards gas guzzeling Urban Assault Vehicles has driven the average mph down. Many, many reasons -- no good solutions (especially for us retirees whose income does not increase with inflation).