the pipeline and other gas woes

haven't really been watching much news lately, but i've been hearing about the BP pipeline in alaska that's going to be shut down for maintenance. this, of course, will cause prices to climb even higher...and thus our future deteriorates. if gas prices keep rising, this is going to cause our economy great devastation, and in the extreme case, what will happen is this.... people won't be able to afford gas anymore, thus won't be able to drive to work. jobs will be lost. then right about the time that it's lookin' bad, the government will propose (a.k.a. come up with a solution they've had for centuries) some "new", more efficient way of powering our cars so they can make money and it looks like they've saved the day. i don't understand...these gas companies are causing their own destruction. if you have a business that thrives on people buying your product, wouldn't you want to keep prices competitive so that you still HAD customers?! pretty soon, everyone's gonna just say screw it and start looking elsewhere for solutions. i'm so sick of the government controling everyone's lives!! RAIGHNT!!