future of AMERICA is through CHINA . The more cars being bought ( AMERICAN , JAPANESE , etc. ) are those in need of fuel . Thus more refineries , meaning more oil . Therefore , less to be imported to the STATES . Many countries are exporting less oil and keeping more for their own present / future needs and helping to keep oil prices higher or not to sink below $30 ( example ) a barrel . Leading to higher gas prices . What comes around goes around .