COMMENTS:
Voted : No, there are other causes
Oh come on LCD. That is BS. It is supply and demand. Basic economics. Are the majority of Dems on this site really that paranoid? BTW, this ballot has been done a couple of times already. 
Voted : Yes, it's ploy by republicans
Are we idiots here? Do we believe that "market forces" have driven down the price of oil? Gimeabreak! Here's what we know for a certainty: 1. Big oil has made obscene profits during the past four years all the while claiming that gas price increases were just passing along the price of oil Really? If all you are doing is passing price increases then your profit margin should not move. So we know they lied here. 2. Big oil and big money profit immensely under the Republicans on many, many fronts (like taxes, oil exploration, relaxing environmental regs, refining permits, etc). 3. We know they are ruthless in pursueing profits. So, how could they not try to help the Republicans? Seriously. If you don't believe it, watch oil prices soar after the November mid-term elections. It may not be a "ploy by Republicans" per se, but it is a ploy of Big Oil and Big Business.
Voted : Yes, it's ploy by republicans
I have yet to see or hear a single plausible explanation for the sudden rise, or the equally precipitous fall.
FF, supply and demand? Supply, last I looked, was at record highs, and demand is a great as ever. So higher prices must follow? I don't quite swing with that.
Hmmm. Every time a caribou farts next to the Alaska pipeline the price jumps. Supply and demand? More likely a massive supply of Republican bullshit and the political demands of Big Oil.
What was it "Deep Throat" of Watergate fame told Woodward? "Follow the money." Nothing has changed.
Explanations (from MSNBC)
With economic growth slowing and oil supplies rising, energy markets have become less jittery about geopolitical tensions, such as the diplomatic standoff between Iran and the West over Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. For much of the year, fear about potential sanctions against Iran, and possible retaliatory actions by OPEC’s No. 2 supplier, had gripped the market.
A mild Atlantic hurricane season has also eased fears of disruptions to Gulf of Mexico oil and natural gas production.
In its weekly report, the Energy Department said U.S. inventories of crude oil rose by 3.3 million barrels last week to 328.1 million barrels, or 6.7 percent above year-ago levels.
Gasoline inventories rose by 1.2 million barrels to 215.1 million barrels, or 9.6 percent more than last year.
Distillate inventories increased by 200,000 barrels to 151.5 million barrels, 18 percent above year ago levels.
U.S. refineries ran at 89.9 percent of capacity last week, down from 92.4 percent a week earlier.
Other reasons:
End of summer driving season (there is always a fall in prices - less demand).
Primer on gas prices from KOS rather than pasting the whole thing:
dailykos dot com / storyonly / 2006 / 9/17 / 153931 / 471
KOS is a left wing blog.
BTW, gas prices ROSE prior to the 2004 election. That is a fact conspiracy believers.
And now Carnac the Magnificent will give the answer BEFORE being read the question. My assistant, Ed, has the question in a sealed envelope which has been stored in a hermetically sealed Mayonnaise jar sitting on Funk and Wagnalls porch since noon.
Ed, the answer please.
"Gas prices will increase."
Open the envelope please, and read the question.
"What will happen directly after the 2006 Election?"
- - - - - -
"May a yak be sick in the third row seat of your Escalade."
Voted : No, there are other causes
Gas prices most always increase during the colder months. Same reason why they increase during the Summer and drop at the end of vacation season. Prices in our area already went up two cents intime of an apporaching coldfront a couple of weeks ago, but went down shortly afteward when the weather returned to normal.
And they'll probably start rising again before the elections.
I say proof will be in the pudding.
those who doubt my theory, simply wait until a week after election, and chart the gas prices. pray if repubeliceans win, because they will have you by the balls... 
by LCD on Wed Oct 04, 06 2:39pm
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LCD, the 2004 election was arguably more significant and the fact is that gas prices were rising prior to the election. You can't have it both ways.
in 2004, gas prices were still under $2.
for those who can't remember that far back.
by LCD on Wed Oct 04, 06 6:40pm
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I dont know about that. I've still got receipts from gas purchases in 2004. The highest one is at 2.42 per gallon.
Voted : Yes, it's ploy by republicans
Oh my God...FiddleFaddle you really are on LSD.
As a condition of the ties between the current administration and the big companies that buy legislation, it is certainly a good possibility that the big companies that are enjoying record profits, would like to continue to enjoy the support of the government that they have bought in to. Is it just the Republicans? I would say probably not by themselves, but it is a real sign that our government, representing both political parties, is taking it's cue from those that control much of this countries wealth and leaving the foundation to rot. That being the middle class. When is the last time that we have seen media coverage of legislation that is designed to benefit the middle of the curve as opposed to the end extremes, either high or low?
We need representative government now more than ever and we aren't getting it from either the Democrats or the Republicans. We sorely need a third and perhaps even a fourth, legitimate, political party to offset our current governments control on our ability to excel as a Nation and compete in the World markets. When is the last time you were asked if you supported a war on another sovereign nation, without support from the rest of the world community? Or whether or not you support educational spending cuts in our Nations Public schools?
Let's vote this nonsense out of existence in this year's election and show our Nation the real power of Democracy.
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