Less demand equals lower prices

To the editor:

It seems to me that there is a simple solution to high gasoline prices: supply and demand. The system works well, but we get upset when we aren't enjoying the low-price part of the equation.

Boycotting certain companies or buying 10 gallons at a time won't work. We have to work within the system.

If each driver can save one gallon per week, we achieve lower prices. Four gallons per month saved by one million drivers would be a start. If 25 million of us did it, you're talking a drop in demand of one hundred million gallons a month. The supply and demand system would respond to that. It's the same as losing weight: Consume less, eat (drive) wiser. Drive a bit slower, carpool, buy a slightly more efficient vehicle, make fewer trips, maintain your vehicle.

I have already done these things. I figured I couldn't preach it if I haven't done it. It works well and requires minimal sacrifice. If you really want to stick it to OPEC, the speculators and the oil companies and get lower prices, here's your chance. Otherwise, open your wallet wide. It isn't going to get any better.

MARK DAMBACH, Jackson