Why are we so surprised that the fuel price hike has happened? Many people have been predicting this for years. Too many people are EMOTIONALLY connected to their cars and this prevents them thinking rationally about the issue. After the last fuel scare in the 70's everyone was very fuel conscious for about 15 years. In the last 10 years as we became much more affluent too many people have bought gas guzzlers - cars far bigger than what they need. Cars that are more to do with self image and status. Now they squeal and look for a scapegoat - & usually blame the Government - but the real villains are the people with the oil reserves and shady speculators. (Why do we not criticise the oil cartel, in any other trading context this trading arrangement would be illegal. Price hikes are what happens when you have a cartel!) This is also not to think about the Global Warming debate. If G warming really does happen then our grandchildren will think we were dinosaurs not to respond sooner.