Windshield Washer Fluid Futures: Buy!
Looks like oil isn't the only liquid that will challenge car owners' budgeting skills in the near future. The Ottawa Sun reports that come 2008, a methanol shortage may cause two-fold hikes in the prices of windshield washer fluid. According to the Sun, the Vancouver-based company Methanex, which produces methanol for companies that produce windshield washer, is selling the critical ingredient at $832 per metric tonne, up from a low of $309. The Sun speculates that we may be looking at $5 or $6 a (4L) jug, up from about $3 right now. The cause of the shortage is two-fold: natural gas supplies becoming more difficult to come by and export tariffs imposed by (the methanol-producing nation of) Argentina. With one of the worst winters hitting the North East in 40 years, it seems like perfect timing.
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You could always stand on a bucket and piss on the windshield.
I bought eight jugs of windshield washer fluid last winter at $1 each. I forgot I had already got in the winter's supply. Still have seven of 'em. Regardless, there's nothing like a real or managed shortage to boost prices, and profits. The oil companies have been doing it to us for years.
For summer I use water, vinegar and peroxide which dissolves bug protein quite well. I use peroxide on my motorcycle as well.The winter is another story, guess I will go back to the old days of a dropcloth over the windshield at night. Another crisis or shortage, another reason to shear the sheep.Whats the next shortage du jour?