Gas prices

[Old Crank]

Automobile users in the US are seeing gas price hikes. These are bothering the GOP since it was their boy who caused the rise in prices.
Krugman thinks that if Iran bottles up the Straight of Homan for an extended time period oil could easily go over $150 per barrel Even though the world is less dependent on oil.
This will hurt the US consumers more. Why?
New US car fleet (Including pickups and SUV) average 27.2 mpg. The entire base is getting 22 mpg.

The European average for all non totally electric is 42 mpg equivalent.

We could have been there. Instead this administration is scrapping the standards and the CA standards.

[SheltieLover]

1. I don't get out much, but 50 mpg on my old Hondas is great!

[Old Crank]

5. That is pretty good

And Hondas are dependable.
When we moved to Germany we got rid of our cars.
Almost 11 years without one.
It is 600 steps to my new grocery store. I put about 1,600 miles on my city bike. I have a transit pass that is about $60 per month. It covers bus, tram, Ubahn, Sbahn, and regional trains.
For our move and big purchases we now use a car share.
So I don't see a direct impact on fuel prices.

[SheltieLover]

7. Lucky you!

Sounds like a very nice lifestyle you have!

Yes, I love my old Hondas and the 1 1990 Acura!

Enjoy!

[MichMan]

2. Gas taxes in Europe are a few dollars per gallon higher than ours

Had we done that people would be much more interested in buying fuel efficient and EV, however there is no political will here in the US to raise gas taxes by $3 or more per gallon like they have in Europe.

[Old Crank]

6. We were on holiday in France

When Trump made his move.
The rental car took diesel and we got about 50 mpg. €1.73 per liter.
I guess I need to roll past a gas station and see what is happening here in Munich.

[MichMan]

8. That is equivalent to $6.50 Euros or $7.41 USD per gallon

My point is that if we taxed fuels accordingly so the costs in the US were similar, people would be way more interested in buying fuel efficient vehicles. Since fuel here costs half of what they are paying in Europe, not surprised that people choose to drive what they do.

[GreenWave]

3. And despite the record release of gas supplies, they still keep jacking up the prices.

[Old Crank]

4. That is correct.