The one interesting thing that I've noticed is that gas prices have gone up a little bit since the election. Hmmm, coincidence?
Most likely. I don't know how certain parties can control the price of a commodity that is traded worldwide.
I still don't see how corporations/special interest groups can have an affect on the price of a commodity that is traded worldwide for political gain.
It's not that hard. In fact, the article I linked to gives a clue to one way in which it's done. Take a viable crop and purposefully not cultivate, or in this case drill, and you create an artificial shortage. The Diamond industry controls the price of their commodity in their sleep by hoarding 70% of the world supply.
As for the price going up after the election, I'm the first person in line to say that the price increase over the last few years is BS, but even I have to concede that there are certain patterns which must be maintained, such as standard price increases for the coming holiday season.