Soaring gas prices a boon for California oil refiners: Roadshow

Q: One motive gasoline costs are so excessive is as a result of oil firms have made extra billions this 12 months than final 12 months. They might decrease the worth on the pump and nonetheless make billions in revenue.

Robert Combine, San Jose

A: A current report reveals that California oil refiners made unprecedented income from refining oil into gasoline within the first quarter of 2022.

Some California oil refiners report income from the primary quarter of 2022 which might be greater than twice as excessive as these reported by the identical refiners over the identical interval final 12 months. In some circumstances, income are as a lot as 5 occasions higher than in the identical interval final 12 months, in accordance to the Client Watchdog group, a nonprofit, nonpartisan shopper safety group.

For the primary quarter of 2022, income at L.A.-area refineries grew to $32.84 per barrel from $15.75 per barrel within the first quarter of 2021.

Q: If I’m going to the shop and discover an merchandise on the shelf listed for lower than what’s proven on the register, I anticipate the shop to honor the lower cost. Does the identical apply to gasoline? Final week I paid 10 cents extra per gallon than the signal out entrance claimed. That’s solely $1.10 for 11 gallons, nevertheless it’s the precept.

Tom Farrell

A: Unlikely, regardless that, legally, pump costs and the worth on the signal are required to be the identical. Not understanding the entire circumstances, it’s onerous to know what occurred right here. It might be that the signal was incorrect, or it might be confusion about money/credit score costs, however you’re proper, the posted value and the pump value are purported to be the identical.

Q: Your rationalization of the lights at Castro/Moffett/Central fairly effectively confirmed my observations. However is there any method to at all times present the countdown clock when crossing? Once you simply see the hand, you don’t actually know what time is left. It’s getting very unsafe, particularly for us older of us who stroll.

Stephen Gneri, Mountain View

A: It’s unlikely that this will probably be performed, however I perceive your level. Pedestrians and bicyclists utilizing the brand new interchange, when it has been constructed, will journey beneath the expressway which can make a countdown timer pointless.

Q: Nice information concerning the Castro/Central intersection. I used to show proper from Castro onto Central in my automotive on a purple, and I’d be additional cautious. I’d examine all instructions for oncoming site visitors, then for pedestrians. It solely took a second or two, nevertheless it was sufficient to earn a honk from the irate driver behind me.

E.G., Campbell

A: Fewer impatient, horn-honking motorists can be good. You probably did the correct factor by double-checking earlier than turning.

Search for Gary Richards at Fb.com/mr.roadshow, or contact him at mrroadshow@bayareanewsgroup.com.