Well, this is certainly worth, um, “analysis”.

Choice excerpts:

“News reports have indicated that refinery profit margins on the West Coast have increased substantially, from an average of $17 per barrel over the past five years to $39 per barrel currently. “The number of refineries in California has fallen by more than half since the early 1980s, but more important, the remaining refineries have not increased supply capacity to keep pace with consumer demand. West Coast refineries ran at about 76% of capacity in 1985. Outages at one refinery were easily compensated for by increased production at other refineries. Now, West Coast refineries are running at nearly 92% of capacity, leaving little room even for maintenance without spiking prices due to lack of supply.

It simply defies explanation that there could possibly have been a decline in the number of new oil refineries built in California since the early 1980s, what with lawmakers of Cong. Kucinich’s caliber around (yes, he had yet to grace Congress’ hallowed halls, but his, er, type, is no stranger).

“As we approach this year’s peak driving season, the Subcommittee wishes to know how these factors of decreasing capacity, decreasing supply, rising profitability and increasing market concentration may be related to cause new record highs in the price of gasoline.

That vexing question requires a Blue-Ribbon Commission.