Comments on: High Oil & Gas Prices Could Boost Internet Says Google

By: sanjeev bhadresa

sanjeev bhadresa — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 01:13:29 +0000

I agree that high oil prices may assist Google. That said, However, as oil prices start to fall (as they are now) there is a lesser desire for efficiency and people resume their previous behaviour.

In order to stimulate innovation, oil prices would need to be high for a sustained period, in order to make the required investment in alternatives financially attractive.

By: WearIt.com

WearIt.com — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 22:50:42 +0000

Hmm. Interesting take on how high energy prices may actually be beneficial to internet usage. Another angle is to consider the impact higher fuel costs have on online shopping. With gas prices squeezing consumer wallets, an iCongo survey from April ’08 showed many consumers are turning to online stores to save the extra trip to the mall. Also, many online merchants offer free shipping or some sort of discounted shipping. If you’re shopping for clothing and apparel, here’s a helpful list of stores offering free shipping http://www.wearit.com/coupons/freeship that could help you save both at the pump and while shopping online.

By: Michael Temple

Michael Temple — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 12:28:22 +0000

This will probably be a boon for all types of Internet business. If you are shopping for a consultant, accountant, financial planner, or other professional you will use either referrals or the Internet, possibly both. First, you will get the referral then you will check them out on the net.

More companies like gotomeeting.com and webex will sell more accounts. I already know some small local businesses that have moved the demos they used to do in person to online via gotomeeting. The reason is the time and more importantly the expense of driving. As fuel prices climb even higher, which most analyst are almost certain of this type of use of the Internet will become even more dominant.

By: Raj Krishnaswamy

Raj Krishnaswamy — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 08:02:03 +0000

I agree with the author. There is always an upside to every problem at hand. Similar phenomenon led to the development of home shopping channels on television, where one could shop without adding on the expenses and time of driving your car to shopping centers and fighting crowds. I am sure e-commerce would benefit quite a bit. Additionally, once customers find their on line shopping experience pleasurable, they may simply stick with it and change their buying habits permanently even if gas prices go down in the future! In other words, the move to on-line shopping might be more permanent.

By: Yannis

Yannis — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 03:09:46 +0000

I agree with his statement. There’s already many people selling information or products to help with gasoline efficiency.