further to my letter fuelling debate (Oxford Mail, April 22), as if to reinforce my view that oil companies are plain greedy, we now have the news that BP has more than doubled its profits in the past 12 months, on the back of rising oil prices.

I think it is safe to assume that the other major oil companies have also done well. Therefore, I would say we have now been fleeced not only by our politicians with the expenses scandal and by the banks, but, many believe, also by the oil companies.

With the elections almost here, and many empty promises being made to get your vote, what hope is there for Joe Public? In a word: none.

Keith Brooks, Gateley, Horspath