Gas Prices: A Comparison

[YoshiSato]

Originally posted by: Dissipate

Originally posted by: Midlander
I hope there aren't any government people in this forum, getting ideas....

There are plenty of government lovers in these forums, so too late for that.

I don't think the US could tolerate $5/gal for long.

I know they said the same thing about $3.50 but I think any higher than that any things will get very ugly very quickly.

 

[So]

Originally posted by: JS80

Originally posted by: kip1124

On the other end of the spectrum...

Venezuela: 12 cents/gallon

It's called government subsidy, a sort of "negative tax." Someone ends up paying for it.

Yes, but that 'somone' is foreign buyers, so why should they care?

 

[YoshiSato]

Originally posted by: So

Originally posted by: JS80

Originally posted by: kip1124

On the other end of the spectrum...

Venezuela: 12 cents/gallon

It's called government subsidy, a sort of "negative tax." Someone ends up paying for it.

Yes, but that 'somone' is foreign buyers, so why should they care?

The Per captia in Venezuela is like $6,500 per year.

12 cents is a lot of money

 

[chambersc]

Originally posted by: Rainsford
You know what's an interesting study in human behavior? The fact that a lot of what I assume are intelligent people looked at that data and got all pissed off at Europe for being a bunch of communists, while nobody took the time to look at the data the OP linked to in order to notice that gas prices have gone up 2.5x in the past 4 years. Now maybe it's just me, but personally I'm more pissed about that than what the Europeans choose to do in their own countries.

Well, to be fair, its just the market shifting with the burdening CHinese entering, our exploits in Iraq not exactly introducing a reliable source of Oil, and fears over Iran (which imports 12%, or something, of net oil).

 

[jlee]

Originally posted by: YoshiSato

Originally posted by: So

Originally posted by: JS80

Originally posted by: kip1124

On the other end of the spectrum...

Venezuela: 12 cents/gallon

It's called government subsidy, a sort of "negative tax." Someone ends up paying for it.

Yes, but that 'somone' is foreign buyers, so why should they care?

The Per captia in Venezuela is like $6,500 per year.

12 cents is a lot of money

I make $20,800/yr. $2.89 is a lot of money.

 

[YoshiSato]

Originally posted by: chambersc

Originally posted by: Rainsford
You know what's an interesting study in human behavior? The fact that a lot of what I assume are intelligent people looked at that data and got all pissed off at Europe for being a bunch of communists, while nobody took the time to look at the data the OP linked to in order to notice that gas prices have gone up 2.5x in the past 4 years. Now maybe it's just me, but personally I'm more pissed about that than what the Europeans choose to do in their own countries.

Well, to be fair, its just the market shifting with the burdening CHinese entering, our exploits in Iraq not exactly introducing a reliable source of Oil, and fears over Iran (which imports 12%, or something, of net oil).

ANWR!

Should have started that 6 years ago. :|

 

[RandomCoil]

Hey Hitler. Is what your saying is its cool for gas to go really really high to the point not only cant I put food on the table anymore but now because of prices were starving and can afford to even make it to work just so we can establish a mass transit across the USA? Looking to make this a country where all of our freedoms are gone because all we can now do is pay to get to work and back and maybe have a little left over for food for our children. blah blah blah blah WHINE

Oh my God, you truly are without any creativity or sense of history. It's a wonder that you're the product of people who lived through the Great Depression and WWII. You called someone Hitler for making a positive remark about public transportation? You actually compared someone speaking his mind to a man responsible for world war and concentration camps? Is it possible you could be such a moron? And who do you think benefits from demand for oil? Oh let's see, there's the nuclear-weapon-building Iran, the South-America-destabilizing Venezuela, and the monarchy (not democracy -- *monarchy*) of Saudi Arabia, among others. Saddam Hussein built Iraq into a royal pain in the butt through oil. Luckily, in the US oil has only managed to fund the retirement of an Exxon executive to the tune of $400 million.

Do you realize that during WWII gas was rationed to between 4-8 gallons per week for most people? No, no. You're too focused on your perceived freedom. How about the freedom not to have troops dying in some stupid desert because we can't control our need for oil? No, it's all about you. Truly, you will be destitute in the streets if gas hits $4. You're probably not bright enough to figure out a carpool or have a fuel-efficient car or combine trips. You probably can't save money by cutting cable TV or growing some of your own food or using a library instead of buying books. You'll probably drive the, oh, 20 miles to Blockbuster instead of using Netflix -- you'll keep burning incandescent lights instead of switching to fluorescents. Heaven-forbid you should try out a push mower instead of a gas or electric one. Perhaps you don't even mow your own lawn.

You're such the model American of the 2000's. Our American ancestors should rise up and give the living generation a collective bitch-slap. You're certainly not the type of American who fought for independence in the 18th century or pushed through the western wilderness in the 19th. You're certainly not in the group who sacrificed to fight two world wars or learned how to live under the threat of nuclear war. No, keep complaining about the gas prices and how they'll hurt your "freedom". Remember: it's all about you!

 

[RGN]

Originally posted by: Syringer
Say what now?

spider.

 

[zanieladie]

:Q

 

[JinLien]

Originally posted by: mwtgg

Originally posted by: jagec

Originally posted by: mwtgg

Originally posted by: dmcowen674

Originally posted by: mwtgg

Therefore, all of you people complaining about the price of gas in <insert country here> and then saying how well we have it in America can please be quiet. Just because our government doesn't rape us at the pump doesn't mean we have anything to "feel thankful for". In fact, I pity you.

I pity you because you constantly feel the need to downplay our complaints about gas prices here. So what, you're paying $6.00/gal, is that our fault? Look how good you could have it if you didn't love bending over and taking it every time you fill up your tank. Pre-tax gas over in Europe is much lower than what it is over in America, and what do you get for all of those taxes? Sub-par socialized medicine? Is that worth it? Oh well, whatever helps you sleep at night knowing you're being taken.

Anyone who wishes to dispute these numbers can take it up with the United States Department of Energy

Not only that, most of the Countries are the size of Rhode Island and they don't travel far so they don't spend a lot in gas anyway.

I know that comment about being the size of Rhode Island is a joke, but in that case what's the point of the ultra expensive gasoline?

It makes money so they can pay for their extensive social programs, and it encourages people to take the train, which is actually a feasible alternative in Europe, unlike in the US.

That's true, it discourages people from driving, but you're right, it's nearly impossible here. We're too spread out and the local transportation systems only run so far. Then you have AMTRAK, which is a total joke.

Hello, your Northern neighbor export fuel to you and the price is significantly higher (roughly $3.14-4.00 USD for 87 octane) in a country with sparse population that spread over a greater area.

<-- local price for 87 octane is $3.76 USD

 

[RCN]

Originally posted by: JinLien

Originally posted by: mwtgg

Originally posted by: jagec

Originally posted by: mwtgg

Originally posted by: dmcowen674

Originally posted by: mwtgg

Therefore, all of you people complaining about the price of gas in <insert country here> and then saying how well we have it in America can please be quiet. Just because our government doesn't rape us at the pump doesn't mean we have anything to "feel thankful for". In fact, I pity you.

I pity you because you constantly feel the need to downplay our complaints about gas prices here. So what, you're paying $6.00/gal, is that our fault? Look how good you could have it if you didn't love bending over and taking it every time you fill up your tank. Pre-tax gas over in Europe is much lower than what it is over in America, and what do you get for all of those taxes? Sub-par socialized medicine? Is that worth it? Oh well, whatever helps you sleep at night knowing you're being taken.

Anyone who wishes to dispute these numbers can take it up with the United States Department of Energy

Not only that, most of the Countries are the size of Rhode Island and they don't travel far so they don't spend a lot in gas anyway.

I know that comment about being the size of Rhode Island is a joke, but in that case what's the point of the ultra expensive gasoline?

It makes money so they can pay for their extensive social programs, and it encourages people to take the train, which is actually a feasible alternative in Europe, unlike in the US.

That's true, it discourages people from driving, but you're right, it's nearly impossible here. We're too spread out and the local transportation systems only run so far. Then you have AMTRAK, which is a total joke.

Hello, your Northern neighbor export fuel to you and the price is significantly higher (roughly $3.14-4.00 USD for 87 octane) in a country with sparse population that spread over a greater area.

<-- local price for 87 octane is $3.76 USD

Hello.....what do you think your point is? Is it that Canada has the second largest oil reserves? Is it that you get fvcked even though you do?

What is your average commute to work?

Population density maps:
Canada
United States

Just in case it was that you are more "spread out".............

 

[BoomerD]

As much as I hate forking over MORE money at the pump for my "environment killer", I know, (whether I LIKE it or not) that with prices adjusted for inflation, today's gas prices aren't REALLY much worse than I've been paying over the past 30 years. Consider this. Today, I make (just on the check, NOT including my fringe benefit packaga) about $35.00/hour, and gas oline is about $3.00/hr. For about the same work, in 1980-81, I made between $12 and $15./hour, and gas was around $1.50/gallon. YES, lots of other things were a LOT cheaper then too, but adjusted for inflation, that $1.00 gallon of milk is about $3.50 today...
Do I think we're getting screwed on gas prices? YOU BETCHA! Is it gonna break me? HELL NO! Will I reduce some of my driving? MaYbe a little...won't take the big driving vacation this summer I was planning...instead, I'll fly, and rent a car at the other end. Kind of eliminates some of the side trips I had planned, but, oh-well...life goes on...Do I think that Dumya has the capacity to REALLY screw things up even worse than he already has? OH HELL YES! Consider that before he invaded Iraq, we were paying about $1.50/gallon, and now...well, the talk about nuking Iran has already spoiked prices quite a bit, and if you notice, the Iranian nuc-u-leer discussion really got going about 4 months ago...just about the time our prices started spiking...Just think what will happen to gas prices if we ACTUALLY do it...


Here are some links to show you what I meant about the price differences:
http://zfacts.com/p/35.html
http://www.randomuseless.info/gasprice/gasprice.html
http://www.wtrg.com/oil_graphs/oilprice1947.gif

 

[JinLien]

Originally posted by: RCN

Originally posted by: JinLien

Originally posted by: mwtgg

Originally posted by: jagec

Originally posted by: mwtgg

Originally posted by: dmcowen674

Originally posted by: mwtgg

Therefore, all of you people complaining about the price of gas in <insert country here> and then saying how well we have it in America can please be quiet. Just because our government doesn't rape us at the pump doesn't mean we have anything to "feel thankful for". In fact, I pity you.

I pity you because you constantly feel the need to downplay our complaints about gas prices here. So what, you're paying $6.00/gal, is that our fault? Look how good you could have it if you didn't love bending over and taking it every time you fill up your tank. Pre-tax gas over in Europe is much lower than what it is over in America, and what do you get for all of those taxes? Sub-par socialized medicine? Is that worth it? Oh well, whatever helps you sleep at night knowing you're being taken.

Anyone who wishes to dispute these numbers can take it up with the United States Department of Energy

Not only that, most of the Countries are the size of Rhode Island and they don't travel far so they don't spend a lot in gas anyway.

I know that comment about being the size of Rhode Island is a joke, but in that case what's the point of the ultra expensive gasoline?

It makes money so they can pay for their extensive social programs, and it encourages people to take the train, which is actually a feasible alternative in Europe, unlike in the US.

That's true, it discourages people from driving, but you're right, it's nearly impossible here. We're too spread out and the local transportation systems only run so far. Then you have AMTRAK, which is a total joke.

Hello, your Northern neighbor export fuel to you and the price is significantly higher (roughly $3.14-4.00 USD for 87 octane) in a country with sparse population that spread over a greater area.

<-- local price for 87 octane is $3.76 USD

Hello.....what do you think your point is? Is it that Canada has the second largest oil reserves? Is it that you get fvcked even though you do?

What is your average commute to work?

Population density maps:
Canada
United States

Just in case it was that you are more "spread out".............

IMHO, average commute time/distance is about the same as the US. Greater Ontario, Vancouver is about an hour or more, however smaller comunities require less distant/time which reflect similarity in the US.

It mean that over all the US still has it better than most countries.

 

[RandomCoil]

And as for Canada's oil, it's mostly in the form of tar sands, which are far more expensive to make useful than what comes out of a standard oil well.

 

[JinLien]

Originally posted by: RandomCoil
And as for Canada's oil, it's mostly in the form of tar sands, which are far more expensive to make useful than what comes out of a standard oil well.

I don't think the currently tar sand are being exploited. The stuff that are coming out of the current wells are traditional easy to access liquid.

 

[RCN]

Originally posted by: JinLien

Originally posted by: RCN

Originally posted by: JinLien

Originally posted by: mwtgg

Originally posted by: jagec

Originally posted by: mwtgg

Originally posted by: dmcowen674

Originally posted by: mwtgg

Therefore, all of you people complaining about the price of gas in <insert country here> and then saying how well we have it in America can please be quiet. Just because our government doesn't rape us at the pump doesn't mean we have anything to "feel thankful for". In fact, I pity you.

I pity you because you constantly feel the need to downplay our complaints about gas prices here. So what, you're paying $6.00/gal, is that our fault? Look how good you could have it if you didn't love bending over and taking it every time you fill up your tank. Pre-tax gas over in Europe is much lower than what it is over in America, and what do you get for all of those taxes? Sub-par socialized medicine? Is that worth it? Oh well, whatever helps you sleep at night knowing you're being taken.

Anyone who wishes to dispute these numbers can take it up with the United States Department of Energy

Not only that, most of the Countries are the size of Rhode Island and they don't travel far so they don't spend a lot in gas anyway.

I know that comment about being the size of Rhode Island is a joke, but in that case what's the point of the ultra expensive gasoline?

It makes money so they can pay for their extensive social programs, and it encourages people to take the train, which is actually a feasible alternative in Europe, unlike in the US.

That's true, it discourages people from driving, but you're right, it's nearly impossible here. We're too spread out and the local transportation systems only run so far. Then you have AMTRAK, which is a total joke.

Hello, your Northern neighbor export fuel to you and the price is significantly higher (roughly $3.14-4.00 USD for 87 octane) in a country with sparse population that spread over a greater area.

<-- local price for 87 octane is $3.76 USD

Hello.....what do you think your point is? Is it that Canada has the second largest oil reserves? Is it that you get fvcked even though you do?

What is your average commute to work?

Population density maps:
Canada
United States

Just in case it was that you are more "spread out".............

IMHO, average commute time/distance is about the same as the US. Greater Ontario, Vancouver is about an hour or more, however smaller comunities require less distant/time which reflect similarity in the US.

It mean that over all the US still has it better than most countries.

I fail to see your original point:

"your Northern neighbor export fuel to you and the price is significantly higher (roughly $3.14-4.00 USD for 87 octane) in a country with sparse population that spread over a greater area"

Please explain it......

 

[JinLien]

Originally posted by: RCN

Originally posted by: JinLien

Originally posted by: RCN

Originally posted by: JinLien

Originally posted by: mwtgg

Originally posted by: jagec

Originally posted by: mwtgg

Originally posted by: dmcowen674

Originally posted by: mwtgg

Therefore, all of you people complaining about the price of gas in <insert country here> and then saying how well we have it in America can please be quiet. Just because our government doesn't rape us at the pump doesn't mean we have anything to "feel thankful for". In fact, I pity you.

I pity you because you constantly feel the need to downplay our complaints about gas prices here. So what, you're paying $6.00/gal, is that our fault? Look how good you could have it if you didn't love bending over and taking it every time you fill up your tank. Pre-tax gas over in Europe is much lower than what it is over in America, and what do you get for all of those taxes? Sub-par socialized medicine? Is that worth it? Oh well, whatever helps you sleep at night knowing you're being taken.

Anyone who wishes to dispute these numbers can take it up with the United States Department of Energy

Not only that, most of the Countries are the size of Rhode Island and they don't travel far so they don't spend a lot in gas anyway.

I know that comment about being the size of Rhode Island is a joke, but in that case what's the point of the ultra expensive gasoline?

It makes money so they can pay for their extensive social programs, and it encourages people to take the train, which is actually a feasible alternative in Europe, unlike in the US.

That's true, it discourages people from driving, but you're right, it's nearly impossible here. We're too spread out and the local transportation systems only run so far. Then you have AMTRAK, which is a total joke.

Hello, your Northern neighbor export fuel to you and the price is significantly higher (roughly $3.14-4.00 USD for 87 octane) in a country with sparse population that spread over a greater area.

<-- local price for 87 octane is $3.76 USD

Hello.....what do you think your point is? Is it that Canada has the second largest oil reserves? Is it that you get fvcked even though you do?

What is your average commute to work?

Population density maps:
Canada
United States

Just in case it was that you are more "spread out".............

IMHO, average commute time/distance is about the same as the US. Greater Ontario, Vancouver is about an hour or more, however smaller comunities require less distant/time which reflect similarity in the US.

It mean that over all the US still has it better than most countries.

I fail to see your original point:

"your Northern neighbor export fuel to you and the price is significantly higher (roughly $3.14-4.00 USD for 87 octane) in a country with sparse population that spread over a greater area"

Please explain it......

Sorry, I try to say that the US is better off than most other countries. Canada export oil/gas to the US at a low price so the US population can enjoy a lower gas price than the rest of the world & Canada.

 

[JS80]

Originally posted by: JinLien

Sorry, I try to say that the US is better off than most other countries. Canada export oil/gas to the US at a low price so the US population can enjoy a lower gas price than the rest of the world & Canada.

You fail at economics.

Solution to rising gas prices: make more money.

 

[Mean MrMustard]

Originally posted by: Midlander
I hope there aren't any government people in this forum, getting ideas....

But there is something to be said about raising taxes. Manipulating the prices causing demand to lower would subsequently lower the price. The only way, I think people would agree to it would be if the extra tax revenue be put in a special fund NOT the general fund (no borrowing). This special fund would be put toward alternative fuel R & D.

The key would be having a cutoff point. Don't raise taxes across the board. Raise them when the price reaches a certain level. For example, if the price of gas hit $2.50/gallon automatically institute a $1 or more tax. This artificially raises the price to $3.50 that we pay at the pump. After this, two things would happen. An extra dollar per gallon would be put into this special fund for research so long as the actual price is above $2.49. Secondly, by going from $2.49 to $3.50 demand would drop, eventually bringing the actual price below $2.50 and relieving us of the extra tax for the time being.

With this idea, I think we could get the best of both worlds. It doesn't create a price ceiling. For those of us that don't want higher taxes, it isn't permanent. It lowers demand. And it puts money toward alternative fuel research.

This is an idea I've thinking about lately.

 

[her209]

Regressive taxation FTL.

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: jagec
It makes money so they can pay for their extensive social programs, and it encourages people to take the train, which is actually a feasible alternative in Europe, unlike in the US.

didn't top gear report a study saying that trains were more inefficient than cars, and that the intercity high speed trains were less efficient than jets?

 

[JS80]

Originally posted by: her209
Regressive taxation FTL.

So a flat tax to you is regressive?

 

[her209]

Originally posted by: JS80

Originally posted by: her209
Regressive taxation FTL.

So a flat tax to you is regressive?

Yes.

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: her209

Originally posted by: JS80

Originally posted by: her209
Regressive taxation FTL.

So a flat tax to you is regressive?

Yes.

flat taxes are, by definition, non regressive. they're not progressive either. they're flat. that's what it's called a flat tax, instead of a progressive tax.


anyway, sales taxes tend to be regressive

 

[The Batt?sai]

Originally posted by: EyeMWing

Originally posted by: Syringer
Say what now?

Gasoline is actually more expensive per gallon in the united states than in all the countries that popularly bitch about their prices being higher than ours and tell us to STFU. Our taxes are just... Way, way, WAY cheaper.

amen