And We Thought We Had it Bad!: Taking a Look at European Gas Prices
Here, in America, we are upset that the gas prices keep escalating. Surely, by the end of the summer of 2008, we’ll be paying at least $4 a gallon, which is absolutely absurd. However, perhaps we don’t realize how lucky we are. In the meantime, our neighbors across the Atlantic Ocean are paying somewhere between $8 and $9 a gallon for a tank of gas! In places like Europe, the people have had plenty of time to get used to exorbitant gas prices. In places like France and Britain, there are hefty government tariffs, but the Europeans aren’t complaining. Instead, they have chosen to adapt and change.
Alternative Transportation
Sure, you can own a car in Europe, but it’ll cost you quite a bit at the pump. In countries where there is a lot of government involvement, there seems to be a trend where it’s not so much the price of gas that shocks people; rather, it’s the astronomical taxes that the government adds on to it. So, what to do about this dilemma. Surely, you need to get to work each day. We could stand to learn a thing or two from our European neighbors. For instance, many Europeans opt for public transportation and bikes. For their vehicles, the vast majority choose to own smaller, more fuel-efficient cars than Americans. Think about that. How many people do you know who own an SUV? Probably too many to keep count. Perhaps we shouldn’t be so upset at the rising gas prices; but instead, perhaps we should take heed be a little less wasteful.
I am from the UK, and I’d like just to clarify something. We most certainly do complain about the fuel prices, but our voices continually go unheard. When the government is making such huge tax revenues off us (roughly 80% of the cost is tax) they have little incentive in trying to reduce the pump prices.
I live in Portugal where gas prices are measured by liter.
1 L ≈ 0.2641720523 US liquid gallon(s)
1 L is about 1,3€ (1.55 USD)
Whoever drives SUVs, sportscars and overseized vehicles on a everyday basis is an idiot.
I rest my case.
Hi, I’m an European and would like to add something about taxes on cars in Europe. Where I live we also have to pay road tax every year. This is not some small amount, it is based on engine size. Together with high gas prices it’s the reason we drive small cars with engines that by US standards are tiny. Road tax for a car with a 350 cubic inch V8 is more then 2000euro’s a year. Not many people want to pay that. When buying a new car you also have to pay a registration fee, this is also based on engine size. For a 350 cubic inch V8 it’s 5000euro’s. Value added tax on cars is also a lot higher in the EU then in the US, it varies between 20 and 25%, making cars a lot more expensive…
As long as the government and the Fed reserve board water down the purchasing power of US money, the price at the tanks will rise. Try buying gas with Euros, the OPEC folks are going to sell it that way soon, much to the disappointment of the American government but they don’t want to be screwed again !
Just because gas is so much more expensive in Europe doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t complain. As your first commentator said, they’re taxed to death and their government doesn’t listen.
I wish people would quit thinking that government is the solution for all of our problems. Government is getting in the way and taxing us unreasonably in the process.
I agree, Matt- I think that there is probably too much government involvement, which is causing gas prices to be higher than it should be. I mean, looking at Paul’s comment- 80% of the price is just taxes- That’s ridiculous! I guess the question now is- “how do we get the government to stop taxing us so much for everything?”
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