The government has started reporting from our parallel universe, it seems. The latest data published by Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that gas prices actually fell down in US. Now I cannot think of a better way of angering an already irritated group of consumers. In US, where oil was never a luxury, people are finding it hard to cope with the shooting prices. The general feeling of optimism has gone in this regard. To give a clearer picture, when people start shifting their residence nearer to office, you can be sure that something has changed. And indeed it has; instead of hoping for the prices to come down, consumers have reconciled with the fact that it will in fact, keep on increasing.

“Never believe anything until it is officially denied”

Now imagine that you are a typical consumer. A year back you were paying around $2 a gallon. Suddenly, the economy starts sinking, you are always in fear of losing your job, higher inflation pushes the cost of food and oil price takes a northward route doubling the rate. In the midst of all this, a government agency says “What are you saying? Oil prices have fallen”. Well of course it has, in the parallel world where government is always right. Or perhaps in that world “right” means “wrong”.

“One major difference between a citizen under Democracy and one under Communism is that the latter has no doubt the goverment is lying”

It wouldn’t take an expert to decipher the chart below. The line showing gas price trend can actually be seen going up. So unless the computer screens at the Bureau were overturned or the guys there were floating upside down in the sea of self-appreciation, I can safely say that PRICES-HAVE-GONE-UP!

Another example. Most of the people here want to own at least a 6-cylinder car. Those looking to save some money on gas go for 4-cylinder cars. Usually, 4 cylinder cars have power somewhere in the range of 170 - 190 BHP, which is considered low per American standards. Toyota Prius, is a Hybrid car which can run on either Gas and Battery and gives a whopping 50 miles to a gallon compared to other’s 25-30. How? Well, it has a engine with 75 BHP power (remember American standards) and its looks will put any school kid’s lunch box to shame. When this car starts going out-of-stock from the showroom and delivery waitlist runs into 4-6 months of waiting period, it means that “something” is forcing people to make a choice they wouldn’t usually make. Now take a guess as to what that “something” could be? I am sure you are right. The Bureau guys would have never guessed it anyway.