If gas prices go up further, blame Canada

In the second week of March, Minnesotans paid an average of 42 cents more for a gallon of gas than they did just two weeks ago.

The price spike stems from Mideast unrest and speculation about its future.

But foreign oil interests are planning a deliberate manipulation of the U.S. oil market that would raise gas prices for Midwest farmers and consumers even higher.

Who's behind the plan? Not OPEC.

It's Canada.

The Canadian oil industry, with the strong backing of Prime Minister Stephen Harper's government, wants to build a pipeline to move crude oil from Alberta to the Gulf of Mexico.

The firms involved have asked the U.S. State Department to approve this project, even as they've told Canadian government officials how the pipeline can be used to add at least $4 billion to the U.S. fuel bill.

U.S. farmers, who spent $12.4 billion on fuel in 2009, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, could see expenses rise to $15 billion or higher in 2012 or 2013 if the pipeline goes through.

At least $500 million of the added expense would come from the Canadian market manipulation.

Of course, American consumers will pay the price of this highway robbery. Food prices will rise because they reflect farm operating costs.

In addition, millions of Americans will spend 10 to 20 cents more per gallon for gasoline and diesel fuel as tribute to our "friendly" neighbors to the north.