These companies have broken the law of supply and demand with their cartel-like behavior at the refining end.

Three dollar gasoline is lining the pockets of investors and company executives, while working people who have no choice but to drive are suffering for those excesses. For the oil companies, too much seems never to be enough.

Politicians are talking like consumer advocates now that they see consumers' rage over the profiteering built into pump prices. The proof of their sincerity, however, will be whether they carry through with tough legislation.

Only by actually reaping some of the companies' windfall for American motorists and regulating the refining business can this oil company profiteering be brought under control.