When we get disasters, it makes people scared that the end is just ahead. And the Washtowel Slaveholdery will do all it can to reinforce it all. Just like what happened after 9/11/2001.
If we get gas at $10 or more a gallon (or more accurately, when), it will have a double effect. The witlesses will not be able to afford to go out in field circus as much (and the Filthful and Disgraceful Slavebugger will guilt them back, when "the end is just ahead"). But it will make them afraid that the end is just ahead, causing them to run their credit cards to the max to pay for it. What it will do is spell major money problems for people that take heed.