Bob, they DO not and HAVE not EVER needed an excuse to pressure the US economy, regardless of who's at the 1600 Pennsylvania lodging.
This alone will not oust dubya (although I think his goose is pretty tender at this point).
My sources cite a number of so-called reasons: OPEC cuts, outrageous usage statistics by the FED for military actions globally, plenty of Tanker losses, some gouging to be sure and it's domino effect, all coinciding with a general upward trend in pricing cycles givin the time of year. Word is the price will drop when the driving season begins.
The bottom line is the veritable powerlessness-ish-mentation most of us feel when wincing at the pump.
I also got a an email from a friend in the SE who quotes a county sheriff who said there is some kook(s) puting HIV invected syringes on the handles of gas pumps at random filling stations. Of 30 reported 'stickings', 17 have preliminary positives for HIV now as a result.
Oh joy. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif