Currently, gasoline is very expensive, and I am certain that that announcement shall not surprise anyone here. The lowest price that I have seen recently is $3.51 per gallon, and I cannot recall the last time that it was below $3.00 per gallon, which is not good, at all, in my mind.
Gasoline and other fossil fuels are gradually being depleted, so the process of obtaining them is becoming more expensive, which translates to higher prices at fueling stations, which, in turn, translates to higher prices for any items that are transported in vehicles that use that fuel (i.e., almost any item that is purchased at any online or physical store).
This situation highlights the absolute necessity for people to find a viable alternative to fossil fuels, a source that is easily renewable and less expensive. I believe that electric cars are the best solution, since they do not burn fuel and have very few moving parts, which means that they have fewer point of failure, but electric cars currently are still very expensive, so I believe it shall be some time before they become as prevalent as gasoline-powered cars currently are. Therefore, I believe that, until electric cars are inexpensive and practical, it would be best to develop a new fuel that can be used in the current automobiles.
Synthetic fuels, fuels manufacuted in laboratories or factories from organic waste, are currently an option, since they can be manufactured to be clean and efficient and doing so is less expensive that mining fuel from the earth, but they clearly are not very prevalent at the current time, since fuel is still very expensive at stations. I am wondering why this is; with gasoline becoming more difficult to obtain, and, thus, more expensive, why is progress in introducing an easily-renewable and less-expensive fuel source so slow? What is taking so long for a viable alternative to fossil fuels to emerge?
I have heard some people say that oil companies are hindering the development of alternative sources so that they do not lose money, but, those companies cannot be that powerful, can they be? Surely, there must be other factors at play in this situation? Also, if the major oil companies fear a loss of profit, they can ensure their continued survival by making an agreement with the people who are developing the new fuel sources: the companies can fund the development and adoption of synthetic fuels, and, in return, they can collect a profit from the sale of those fuels. That seems to be an ideal situation, to me, for it satisfies all people involved: the major companies, the scientists developing the fuel, and the consumers of that fuel.
What does everyone else say about this subject? Do you know why it is taking so long for viable alternatives to fossil fuels to emerge, and how much longer shall to take before renewable and inexpensive fuel is available to the general public? I eagerly await your responses.