Gas-price surge in the wake of Katrina

Re “$3 Gas Is Likely in a Matter of Days,” Aug. 31

With the disastrous effects of Katrina on Gulf Coast oil production, it is understandable why gas prices will climb to $3 per gallon. But before this calamity, why just two weeks ago were gas prices in Charlotte, N.C., $2.20 compared to L.A. at $2.78? We have four major refineries here in L.A., so shipping the gas is not the reason for higher prices. California consumers are being reamed! The oil industry is gouging the American consumer, and the federal government should do something to put a moratorium on these prices. But that will never happen as long as George W. Bush is in the White House.

JOAN KERR

Torrance

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Regarding Hurricane Katrina: What a great break for the looters in New Orleans and the oil companies of America. I look forward to another doubling of quarterly profits as big oil exploits this tragedy for its own good and the good of all its shareholders.

BRYAN HAYS

Saugus

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Michael Ramirez strikes a new low in tastelessness with his Hurricane Katrina cartoon (Opinion, Aug. 30). To compare water levels and oil price levels when the dead have yet to be counted and the damage is in the billions is callous and insensitive beyond belief.

SUSAN CALHOUN

Lynwood