Who Controls the Price Of Oil?

Wow - I heard today that the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza is the reason the price of oil and subsequently gasoline, has gone up in the last few days. Why? Neither Israel or the Gaza strip have any oil under them and I don't know of any major petroleum ship ports located here. What is being threatened? We are getting stuck again by the oil traders.

I live in South Louisiana and I do want to see a decent price for a barrel of oil, to keep the people working all along the Gulf Coast and the other oil producing states. I have family that work directly or indirectly as well as friends who make their living off of oil. But please oil traders don't make up scams to get our money!

The thought being broadcast is that the conflict "could" spread through the Arab world and production of oil will be affected. Right! OPEC needs to sell oil because they need the money pouring in to support the life style of the rich and greedy. If the OPEC (Middle Eastern specifically) states don't sell oil and can no longer protect themselves from their own people - then you'll see a spreading conflict and a heightened risk to the OPEC oil industry.

The conflict in Gaza is being used to inflame the the media so they can report more news as they see it (rather than the truth) and make the traders (traitors?) more money.

The politicians (all parties) get to rape America's wallets all the time;The banks and investment houses got to rape America's wallets for the last few years; I guess the Wall Street oil traders want their shot at the brass ring this season - again!