Boy, this seems awfully convenient

Recent stories in The Bee regarding the record gas prices across the country, including Monday's front page story "Gas prices prompt emergency action," say gas prices are at a record high and the oil companies blame the rising costs on the fire at the refinery in Richmond and an electrical shortage in Southern California.

Did the fire and power outage occur conveniently? The story also says the last time gas prices were at a record high was June 18, 2008. Is it a coincidence that was a presidential year, as it is now?

Oil companies paying the politicians in an election year and passing the costs on to the consumer. Be ready for another record gas price jump in 2016.

DEAN LUIS

Modesto