I'm no expert but , like so many other things, it's a pretty complex industry... So many players, so many variables with supply and demand playing a major role
Currently the economies of Japan, China, India are hurting so their demand has dropped
The Saudis are continuing to maintain production as they don't want to lose market share and, as stated, their cost to produce is less than $20/barrel so $47.93 still affords them a profit.
A lessened demand with a steady supply
Combined with fracking, which I believe scares OPEC, Isis selling on the black market, a stronger U.S. dollar, no issues currently that might interrupt Middle East shipping lanes,..
Not sure what Russia's current woes are causing... Their cost to produce is on the higher side.... Over the current $48, I think
What makes me nuts is, at some point over the last 12 months, oil was trading at something near $150/barrel. Here in NJ, a gallon of gas reached a peak of about $3.60 a gallon... Maybe a bit more
We are now at $50/barrel... 1/3 of the peak yet are stil paying over 1/2 of the peak gas prices... Currently at $2.1x
Granted, I don't expect gas pricing to follow crude pricing minute by minute but when oil increases, we pay an increase at the pump the next day. Now that we are experiencing oil price decreases, the reduced pricing at the pump is at a snail's pace
As for taxation to maintain roads, bridges,... All good things and completely necessary. But accounting for the billions and billions collected relative to the outlay of those dollars...? Fuzzy math to be sure. Did someone say Shovel Ready?