Peak oil triggering TEOTWAWKI

[Timelord]

Unless we are in a period of hyper inflation, then commodities are end priced at whatever the "suits" and their "taxing political partners" assess they can get away with exploiting from the masses. It is always an unstable ever shifting calculation of what will turn the best return for minimum outlay BUT will not result in diminishing returns due to declining purchasing by the masses. The more the "Hype" and green credential spin can be ingrained onto society, the more justifiable the higher and ever rising cost. It does not run away too much though due to the cost/effort calculation already mentioned.

As it is the profit on the black stuff is extensive and is hidden by a chain of supply/middlemen and domestic companies of which the latter declare a minimal profit while the preceding semi-hidden companies do not readily publicise their many Billions of profits per year.

This means that in reality the black stuff is probably not going to run out any time soon and the newer ways of extracting it either through deeper drilling or fracking while publicised as more expensive than ever before!! (shock horror) are in fact inevitably so due to the inexorable onward march of currency inflation. ie a loaf of bread costs today much more than a half a shilling it might have cost 50 years ago. In reality the cost is proportional to a percentage of value that equates to a wage earned, whether that be in the 1950's or now or in the future.
Therefore the new ways of reaching the oils and similar fuels is not quite so expensive as it is made out to be and also the new technology and 100 years of practical on-site & geological mapping experience actually make the process comparatively easier than it would be using 1950's tech.

In summary, the price is "rigged" and will always be until some big calamity or social upheavel affects the markets, at which point the price may rise exponentially with hyper inflation but then so will everything else and if that is the case, then the cost of fuel for your car might not be your main worry. regards, TL.