gas prices? WHY????

if the weather stays good for the Xmas/new year holiday season, makes ya wonder how many mORE people will take off for the holidays!!????
I realize high $$ gas is "just an inconvenience", but for many it is something to consider when looing at going to see relatives, or make a x mas trip somewhere.
maybe the big oil companies would like to " write" off some for a change, but then again I doubt if they pay any tax anyway!?? billions of profit per qtr for how long!??