Gas Prices Around the World

Gasoline prices in the United States, which have recently hit record highs, are actually much lower than in many countries.  The main factor in price disparities between countries is government policy.  For example, many European nations tax gasoline heavily, with taxes making up as much as 75% of the cost of a gallon of gasoline.  In the United States, taxes are currently 20%.  The following gas prices are taken from "Fuel Prices Europe"  for March 12, 2012.  In converting the prices to gallons and U.S. dollars, I used the current rate of exchange of $1.31 to a Euro along with 3.785 liters to the gallon.

1. France $8.58/gallon
2. Germany $8.22/gallon
3. Switzerland $7.34/gallon
4. United Kingdom $8.61/gallon.

I guess through the eyes of the Obama Administration gas prices here in America are really dirt cheap!  Just last week, Secretary of Energy, Steven Chu, said that the DOE is on track to lower gasoline prices through some indirect methods, including promotion of alternatives such as biofuels and electric vehicles.  (Those indirect methods have worked really well, especially those electric cars!)  In other words, this Administration is not trying to reduce "current" gasoline prices.  If anything, it appears that this Administration wants much higher gasoline prices to not only align this country with European gasoline prices but support its agenda for developing alternative sources of energy.