The document says the oil company Exxon Mobil has tried “to influence public opinion about the threat of climate change”. It also says “concerted efforts” were made in 2004-05 to change the way the UK media covered climate science after Tony Blair declared that global warming was one of his priorities.

The funny thing is that (in Wellington at least) people have done just that, which is why buses and trains have had large increases in patronage. Of course, said buses and trains are now bursting at the seams because for years, various levels of government have refused to invest in public transport capacity. Why? Because “we all rely on our cars” of course!

While it is directed at US politicians, we can all gain something from this insigtful commentary.

Simple Answer = DRIVE LESS

A boycott won’t work. What happens at all the other stations? Assume Mobil has 20% market share and assume EVERYONE boycotts Mobil, that means demand at other retailers will increase by 20%. When demand increases, prices rise. So the effect of the boycott is to increase prices at all other outlets…Bugger !

Lucky Old Mobil - their price hasn’t increased so the boycott makes their price look cheap. Of course, given the oligopoly that operates in NZ, Mobil would put their prices up somewhat and still benefit because not everyone will boycott them.

Of course petrol is petrol - so it doesn’t matter where it comes from. If Mobil had an excess and the other 3 majors had a shortage, Mobil would be busy filling the tanks of the others - and hence selling more at a higher price.

The only way consumers can force lower prices is through the market mechanisms of supply and demand. As Jeanette said, we need to consume less. I.e. use the car less, use a smaller car, use a more efficient car, etc etc.