31.   Affluent families historically have switched to more fuel-efficient cars only when gas is in short supply and there are long lines at service stations.

32.   But a consumer advocacy group, Consumer Action, contends the talk about low supply and cleaner gas is nothing more than a coverup for price gouging.

33.   Burns stressed that the gas is to be used only for such humanitarian needs as domestic heating and cooking, not for industrial or military purposes.

34.   But gas is better on a stove than electricity, and there is no point getting a new stove just for that.

35.   But gas is more expensive than coal, and the plants are relatively small.

36.   But it also said gases would be much more difficult to measure, monitor and trade.

37.   But in the near term, prices could go higher simply because there may not be enough gas in storage.

38.   But the gas was not helium, it was hydrogen.

39.   But the gas was able to travel because a valve was stuck open.

40.   But some consumers worry whether cheap gas is, well, cheaper quality.