While this sounds great in theory, it simply will not work. Think about
it. If everyone in the world refuses to buy gas on any one particular day, then yes, the major oil companies will not get any revenue for that one particular day. However, when you still drive your car around that day toget to work/mall/starbucks or wherever else you may go, you are still USINGgas. This means that although you don’t buy gas for a day, you still use the same amount as you normally would, and thus will end up filling your tank on another day during the week. Therefore, you are still BUYING the same amount of gas, and the oil company doesn’t end up suffering.

Actually, in terms of supply and demand, if everyone didn’t buy gas for a day, then gas should in theory go way down in price the next day, which is when the gas stations will get a FLOOD of buyers at the new low prices (and low tanks since no one filled up the day before). This flood of buyers means gas stations will actually run out of gas and we will likely have a gas shortage, which means the price of gas will go up, more likely higher than what it is today ($3.00). So, essentially, by doing this whole ‘don’t buy gas for a day’ thing we will make the price of gas HIGHER than what it is today (at least in the short term).

If the world really wants to make a difference, then we should get everyone to NOT USE gas for a day. If everyone walked, ran or rode a bike for a day, then we would see a significant drop in the price of gasoline, because we would be changing the quantity demanded - instead of just changing the time in which we demand it (which is what the don’t buy gas thing would do).

-Rob

I blogged about this also if anyone cares to give it a read: http://www.franzone.com/2007/04/27/no-gas-on-may-15th-what/

BTW - I work from home and rarely drive so I’m doing my part!

www.zoomstart.com/2007/04/16/grass-roots-billion-dollar-take-down/

…I mean passing on gas.

Gasoline is a commodity that is subject to forces of supply and demand. A one day gas boycott is not going to make a single difference. Only an ongoing reduction in demand would truly reduce gas prices… but that is unlikely to happen since we’re so dependent on our cars (particularly here in Los Angeles).

On top of this, the boycott doesn’t make people purchase less gas… just to shift their consumption to a different day… but the consumption level will remain the same in the long run so this is a ridiculous idea.

We just need to use less gas by driving less, purchasing fuel efficient or alternative fuel cars, carpooling, and/or using public transportation. That would make a real difference.