BP Protests: 'It's Really Going To Hurt the Wrong People'

New protests grow, but most consumers understand that targeting gas stations is counter productive.

June 04, 2010

MCLEAN, VA - While BP stations are taking some hits in lost sales from protestors seeking to punish BP for the Gulf oil spill, most consumers understand that the small local business is ultimately hurt.

Phil Flynn, senior market analyst at PFGBest Research in Chicago, told USA Today that avoiding BP stations would not make a difference. "It's a noble effort, but it's really going to hurt the wrong people," Flynn said. The newspaper added, "BP stations largely are independently owned, family businesses with little connection to the company outside of the sign out front." And, Flynn added, even if the boycott reduces the sale of BP gasoline at branded outlets, BP would just sell its gas to unbranded outlets.

Also, consumers weighed in on USA Today??s blog on the story. One reader noted: "It's funny how respondents here, users of petroleum products all, are all sitting in their armchairs complaining about BP or others 'choosing?? to drill in 5,000 feet of water. Just where do y'all think the remaining oil is anyways? Easy to get? In a safe place? How badly do you want that new television? How badly do you want to be able to get to work affordably? Oil is the answer, and it's not going to be easy to get from now on."

Meanwhile, Georgia retailers echoed Flynn??s message at a local television station.

But that hasn??t deterred further groups from trying to organize protests. The latest, Seize BP, is seeking to organize protests across the country over the coming week, including several at fueling stations. Its website notes: "The government of the United States must seize BP and freeze its assets, and place those funds in trust to begin providing immediate relief to the working people throughout the Gulf states whose jobs, communities, homes and businesses are being harmed or destroyed by the criminally negligent actions of the CEO, Board of Directors and senior management of BP."

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