Fuel Protests To Return?

[catch]

I actually think that putting all the emphasis on personal 'lifestyle' choices is a mistake.

Makes a change for me to get called a lifestylist I agree with the rest of the post (although I don't like "citizens" any more than "consumers" really, both are passive roles).

The difference between the US/UK and India/China, is that the majority of the US/UK population is highly dependent on oil - both for fuel and plastics. If there's a massive hike in oil prices/supply shortages (the same thing for most people), then it will directly affect people, very, very quickly. In terms of India and China, oil shortages/price increases might slow development, but the proportion of the population who depend on cars etc. is much smaller. In terms of international supply, China is having a big effect, but I'd expect them to be able to deal with shortages better than the UK when the time comes.

 

[the B]

Actually, I'd say China is rather more munted. Their goods won't be as competitive at the margin as transport costs rise. As a place that manufacturers a lot of goods that require shipping (and are natural resource intensive) - oops!

 

[TeeJay]

And how fucked will certain oil producing countries be when their oil runs out?

 

[catch]

Actually, I'd say China is rather more munted. Their goods won't be as competitive at the margin as transport costs rise. As a place that manufacturers a lot of goods that require shipping (and are natural resource intensive) - oops!

So they'll keep their goods for domestic use and the US/UK with fuck all manufacturing base won't be able to get hold of them. They might not get as much dollars going in - but if there's a hard-landing oil crisis it's likely the importance of currency will be greatly reduced and fixed material assets will be much more valued.

 

[the B]

A lot of Chinese produced goods are no good for the domestic market. They also require lots of imported natural resources or semi-processed goods like steel/copper/aluminium etc.

The countries that will do well are those with large quantities of existing goods stock - with exception to perishables (food).

USA will be alright, EU looking a touch flakey...

 

[audiotech]

The message form various green spokespersons and think tanks tonight is; we have high prices and there going to get higher, so get used to it.

Apparently, Gordon Brown is giving a speech tomorrow which will deliver nothing and involve the usual rhetoric of appealing to international bodies.

A spokesman for the fuel lobby, who represents 62 members in the North East, said his members were facing a massive increase in costs and bankruptcy. He called for a cut in fuel tax, which he described as a tax on a tax (VAT). He also said there were no plans to blockade fuel depots.

Meanwhile, there are queues at some petrol stations.

 

[audiotech]

Annoucement that petrol prices are likely to fall next week. That's likely to piss off those who filled up their gas guzzling SUV's this week.