It is very easy and convenient to bash the major oil companies. What we have to consider is that the prices are set by traders and not the companies. Also they are responsibe to their shareholders to make a decent profit or the stock goes down. The majors do make a decent profit but it is not near the top in ranks of industries as far as profit margins or rate of return for shareholders. When we hear that Exxon Mobil made 8 billion last quarter consider that it is the largest corp in the world and much of these profits go into retirement funds and portfolios that we depend on for our retirement. Just something to consider.