As energy prices continue their recent rapid surge, the State of Hawaii is imposing a cap on rising gasoline prices--the first such move in the US since the early 1970s.
Both oil and natural gas are in heavy demand by the fast-growing economies of China and India, and both have supply bottlenecks. Market forecasters are warning that a cold winter could push oil and natural gas prices even higher. The US government estimates that the average residential bill will be 23% higher than it was a year ago.
Crude oil for October delivery is now above the $67. Adjusted for inflation, it is the highest crude has traded since November 1982. Year-to-date, crude is now up 55%.
Source: The Wall Street Journal, August 25, 2005