the mainstream media doesn't help things much. there were articles out there this fall telling us how the record heating oil prices were going to bankrupt us all. sure, the price is high. but I read an article speculating that it could go up to $10/gallon. that is just plain irresponsible and causes panic, and i would imagine some level of hoarding by the oil companies/distributors that can store it. if all the oil distributors hoard it, of course it will cause supply disruption.