Massive Earthquake = Lower Gas Prices?

I really couldn't believe I heard that on the news this morning. Like a lot of you, I flipped on the TV this morning to be floored by the overnight earthquake in Japan. Of course it's horrible. Of course it is a major disaster on par with Haiti, Chile, Sumatra, etc. Obviously, the people of Japan will need the world's assistance. But, lo and behold, one of the first comments I heard was that gas prices were actually dropping in response to the earthquake. Wow. A massive earthquake in Japan where death and destruction occur on a huge scale, and Americans think about the positive effect it will have on gas prices. Hey, I'm one of the first to be happy about economic growth, but isn't it a bit jumpy to bring up gas prices?? I feel that this comment is indicative of an overly egotistic consumerist mindset that is pervasive in our country right now. I know that the recession has left a stamp on our minds that leaves us questioning the bottom line of almost all human activity, but I argue that a return to at least a partial "people first" mentality would do our country good right now. First, Japan and its people. Second, help rebuild. Third, gas prices.