Earlier today, the AAA and Oil Price Information Service reported that average
Ok, so we knew that Europeans pay an arm and a leg for gasoline – mostly due to heavy taxation, but we wanted to see exactly how much more so we “flew” over to Eurostat, the official European statistic office to find out. As you can see in the list, there are huge variations in Europe with gasoline prices ranging from “as low” as €3.82 / $6.12 a gallon in
*Gas prices were taken on April 18, 2008 by Eurostat and they concern the average cost of one liter of Euro-Super 95 -taxes and duties included. For comparison reasons, we converted Euros/liter prices into Euros/gallon and Dollars/gallon. Note that the exchange rate between the Dollar and the Euro also hit a new record high today (€1 = $1.60 on April 22, 2008).
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At least in Portugal the price is wrong, the medium price is about 1.41€/L for 95 octanes, 98 or 102 octanes is above 1.50€.
Hmmm...$3.50 = 5.60 EUR with the current exchange rate of EUR/$ of 1.599 something's not right here.
Anon# You're right, we made a mistake with the US prices, but we fixed it now. Thanks - John @ Carscoop
AAA would like nothing better than to keep you in a vehicle so they can keep selling you insurance. AAA even lobbies for more road construction versus mass transit. When it all comes to an end—people will look differently upon AAA.
Carscoop has made the same common mistake by comparing apples to oranges: the lowest octane gasoline grade sold in Europe is 95. What do we get here? Premium (93) with 10% ethanol added at the best? Yet, the diesel fuel, which is the fuel of choice for ~ 45-55% car owners in Europe, never costs more than a lowest octane grade sold over there. What do we have here? Approximately as much as $1 more or 25% over the cost of premium.
^^ ignore this guy. The octane rating system are different, so 95 in europe is not 95 in usa, more like 87.
Nope, according to Wikipedia, in many parts of Europe, 95 RON (90-91 AKI, USA)) is the minimum available standard. Again, you are missing a point: people in Europe do have a choice when it comes to fuel: if you are not pleased with the gasoline prices, you can always switch to a diesel. The diesel fuel has higher ratings and it costs lower. Not like here.
Just off note: could you please name a modern industrialized country which has not built a single new oil refinery for the past twenty five years? I bet you know the answer.
Looking at that table of figures it's not too hard to see why you good ole boys invaded Eye-raq! Wasn't it Dubya who said he would do anything, absolutely anything to protect the local economy boosting freedom that only cheap gas can allow?
JB, London
No, I believe Dubya said, we Americans were the only ones with the balls to stand up against radical Islam.
RJ, Portland, OR
The 9.39 dollar price is for the Netherlands, not for Norway.
RJ, wake up and smell the capitalism!
Anonymous said...
... "Yet, the diesel fuel, which is the fuel of choice for ~ 45-55% car owners in Europe, never costs more than a lowest octane grade sold over there."
Not true, in Romania at the biggest fuel retailer, the price of standard diesel is 1.78$/lt, which is more then 0.93$/lt (0.58EURO/lt x 1.6)
The pumps near me here in the uk are even worse than this: £1.27/litre for petrol and £1.36/litre for diesel...
That works out to $9.47 and $10.14 per US gallon respectively.
I'm a student, and I manage to run my car, so stop bitching until you're paying $9/gallon
how can they say that gas is over $8 a gal they use Euros there they dont pay in dollars so get with it we are almost paying as much as europe.. When you get payed 500 euros a week and the dollar is at 1.59 you still get payed 500 euros a week if the dollar goes to 1.18 example
Yeah JB because ALL Americans agree with what a guy who wasn't even rightfully elected by the people to begin with has done.
And RJ, since when was the invasion of Iraq done because of "radical Islam".
The funniest thing between this little "e-fight" is that not only are you both wrong, but the countries you're both from led the attack hand-in-hand.
Anyways!
I think certain parts of the US may be affected worse than a lot of europe because our country in most areas lacks decent public transit. Doesn't offset the fact that pretty much all of Europe pays more than we do.
Hello America. Just want to wish all of u welcome to Norway. First of all, diesel is NOT cheap. (9,40$/g) gasoline 9,40-50$/g = 13nok (Norwegian KRONER) per Litre. And to buy a car u will have to pay up to 3 times the price in America. (EXTREME taxation) Gas = 9,40-50$
I dont know about the insurance policy in the us, but i pay 500$ for my wifes car and she drives a mitsubishi colt glx 1.3 litres car.. YES we have FREE health care, but that doesn't help :D
Are prices rising as fast in Europe as they are in the USA for gas?
There is more apart from absolute numbers. As someone refered, the important is the impact. I can get a $90K job in the USA (where I live now), but in Europe (where I grew up) I am lucky to get €60K, and still, gas is double price.
Another factor to consider is the relative increase. See this example:
95-octane, Spain, Jul05: 0.954€/l
95-octane, Spain, Jan08: 1.114€/l
diesel, Spain Jul05: 0.899€/l
diesel, Spain Jan08: 1.082€/l
Premium, USA, Jul05: 2.46$/gal
Premium, USA, Jan08: 3.17$/gal
So the USA has seen a larger increase measured in their own currency. If you switch to one currency, yes, Europe has seen a larger increase, but in terms of customer buying power (you buy in the currency you are paid), Europe stays in better shape.
Main reason, petroleum/oil is traded in dollars. Oil price has gone up, but dollar has become much weaker. The cost of the actual gas is only a portion of what we pay, as the US has less taxes, they see a larger increase. In Europe, most of what you pay are taxes, plus the oil increase has been soften by a weak dollar - thus a smaller increase.
Not to mention that Americans cannot afford now to travel to Europe, but Europeans can even think about going shopping there for a weekend!
I trully hope gas reaches $5/gal this summer in the US as economist forsee - great thing ever for this wasteful country.
what would a recent price for gas in Norway then?
But how many countries listed supply their citizens with FREE or close to FREE health care with the taxes put on gas. You'll be stunned to see most do. The USA is politically in the toilet thanks to corrupt politicians via the oil, medical and meds business. We need a MASSIVE change people.
In Romania a liter of Super 98 costs around 1.31 Euro.
Sorry to see that all the Americans commenting here are so stupid. :(
The average salary in Estonia is 12,337 EEK ($1,233) per month. The gas prices are currently at $6,8 per Gallon. And we're in shape? Come on guys!! It doesn't frikkin' matter in what currency we are being paid by. Either ways we are able to purchase 181 gallons of gas with our monthly salary.
Now, what's the average salary in the states? What is YOUR salary? Just divide it to whatever the gas prices are currently, and I can assure that the result is WAY higher than 181.
Let's say the average salary is 48 000 dollars per year. That's $4000 a month. Let's say the gasoline is around $3,7 a gallon. So, 4000/3,7 = massive 1081.
Do you see my point here??
So please stop talking about the currency differences and shit. It really doesn't matter! :))
The original author mentioned that a large portion of the European gas price is taxes. Can anyone tell me what percentage you are paying in Europe? According to this site (http://www.api.org/policy/tax/stateexcise/index.cfm) the average tax is $0.47 per gallon. It would be interesting to see if Europeans are paying a higher rate and if they are seeing improved infrastructure (the ideal beneficiary of gas taxes).
Intesting discussion
Well, according to our leading business newspaper (Äripäev), the percentage in Estonia is pretty much around 50%. I mean 50% of the gasoline price is actually taxes and excise.
About a week or so ago, the French president came up with an idea to lower those taxes/excises, but his idea was crushed instantly. Quite sad! :(
To Kaarel, I apologize for all the stupid Americans making comments. Unfortunately, it is often only the stupid ones who seem to think they know enough to comment on things. Personally, I love to see the price of oil go up because it's the only thing that will motivate people here in the States to curb their thirst for it. My country could have done it the easy way but we've lacked political and business leadership and people have accepted it. It's our disgrace. :-(
As an answer to NCB in Finland we pay taxes for 95E petrol about 5 dollars per gallon (61,6%). Comparing to salaries in Estonia it is still cheap to fuel up in Finland comparing to Estonia for example. Also, cheapest 95E in Finland costed 1,499€/L in 6.6. with an average price of 1,55/L. Diesel was 1,399€/L for cheapest and 1,427€/L average according to http://polttoaine.net/ .
Actually, it's the consumption/demand for fuel in the states has started to level off/decline due to higher price at the pump. You're correct in one sense: it's our politicians that are to blame. It's been (mainly) the Democratic Party that hides behind a (false) smoke screen of Global Warming/Environment raping/Endangered Species encouragement, and passing laws that limit our domestic oil drilling. Jimmy Carter is where we lay *first* blame for causing competitors to shift to the global market vs domestic market. His windfall taxation ideals increased the burden of taxation on oil companies, which led to higher price for consumers. The end result was these consumers *left* domestic companies for cheaper *global market* oil (which was around $12 a barrel). Well, seeing as how our politicians refuse to *allow* the oil companies to start drilling where the oil is domestically, we are forced to depend on foreign oil...which is currently at $150.00 per barrel (currently). AND, the current democratic presidential nominee (Barrak Obama)is for an EXACT economic plan that mimics Carter's idea to the *t*. Take a look at the comments here of those *not* living withing the U.S. We in the U.S. are about to be in the same boat as they...due to taxation. Our government needs to get the hell out of regulation and allow the Free Market to lower the price of oil *domestically*.
-But, hey. That's just me :P-
yeah we might get 48,000/year which equal $4000/month but we don't see $4000/month we are lucky to get 2800 or 3000/month did someone forget about taxes and medical insurance. So take home pay is around 2800/2900 so get your facts straight. No one who makes 48K year and gets 4000/month see 4000.00 deposited in their account monthly, brush up on your math.
It's not the price per gallon that counts, it's how much you pay for the miles you drive per year plus the mpg your car gets.
Americans drive on the average 11,766 miles a year with cars that average approx. 20 mpg. The English drive 7,133 miles per year with cars that average approx. 30 mpg. At $4.50 a gallon, Americans pay $2,647.62 a year. While, in England, at $8.62 a gallon, they pay $2,049.40 a year. So, comparing the price for gasoline is like comparing oranges and apples. The true comparison is how much comes out of your pocket to travel from point A to B. And we spend more then drivers in Great Britain. Plus they have cheaper alternatives...convenient mass transit.
$48,000 a year is by far NOT the average American salary. $48,000 a year is more than a college graduate in the U.S. would make on average, and thats only like 30% of the whole country. The median HOUSEHOLD income in America is about $30,000 per/year.
We do have a pretty good deal on gas prices, but we are forced to use more gas on a regular basis, considering if you don't live in a major city, then there is little to no public transportation.
The State/province I live in has a Bus system in a few cities, thats it, no other public transportation. On top of that, the size of the state I live in is considerably larger than half the countries listed here, and equivelant in size to nearly all of them. If you want to leave and go to another state (much less another country), your only option is to drive yourself or fly. There are no passenger train systems in my area, and the bus systems are run down, expensive, and extremely slow. Besides that, even if I wanted to take a bus, it would cost me $30 in gas to get to the nearest bus depot.
This isn't the situation for all Americans, but for those of us living in rural areas this is the case, and there are alot of us.
You Europeans should come see for yourself sometime. Just don't get in a wreck while your here, your immediate medical attention will leave you in debt for the rest of your life.
Per the CIA World Factbook, Per Capita income in the USA is: per capita (PPP): $45,800 (2007 est.
Per Capita = Per Person.
According to the US Census, there are 2.2 persons per household in the USA.
Therefor, the average income per USA house hold is ~$100k
Please Can I correct the above figures?
Comments corrected with ***
It's not the price per gallon that counts, it's how much you pay for the miles you drive per year plus the mpg your car gets.
*** Possibly true depending on the society's reliance on the motorcar.
Americans drive on the average 11,766 miles a year with cars that average approx. 20 mpg. The English drive 7,133 miles per year with cars that average approx. 30 mpg.
*** The British average is actually around 12,000 miles.
At $4.50 a gallon, Americans pay $2,647.62 a year. While, in England, at $8.62 a gallon, they pay $2,049.40 a year.
*** Petrol is actually averaging £1.182 / Litre. Diesel is £1.33/litre.
*** Source: http://www.petrolprices.com/search.html?search=gu33+
*** £1=$1.97usd. (www.xe.com/ucc)
***More Diesel is sold in the UK than Petrol in a 60-40split.
*** There are 3.785litres in a US Gallon, and 4.546 litres in a UK Gallon.
*** Thus take the 12,000 miles/year and price it at £4.48/usgallon = ($8.75usd/usgallon)=
$3,500usd p.a.
*** I personally drive around 25,000 miles a year and fill up for £90 ($178) a fill, (67 litres), once a week. This works out to £4320/year, approx $8,000usd.
*** And the train is £36/day for the same commute and takes 2.2 hours each way rather than 1.33hours in the car....
So, comparing the price for gasoline is like comparing oranges and apples. The true comparison is how much comes out of your pocket to travel from point A to B. And we spend more then drivers in Great Britain. Plus they have cheaper alternatives...convenient mass transit.
*** see the facts above..... Also, a Ford Focus here starts around $22,000usd. How much for one in the US???? Trains/coaches here are slow, unreliable and expensive. We ALL need to change; rising gas hopefully will incite this change.
I have lived and traveled in Europe/United Kingdom for the last twenty five years and have met people from gypsies to high level politicians/executives and I believe this discussion can be summed up in two points: 1) What are the demands on our income and 2) What is the quality of our life.
A year ago I was unemployed. I did odd jobs to bring in a limited income. I did have a military retirement to support us until I became employed again.
I live in a state where the demand on my money is less for others due to low taxes. I'm thankful my money goes farther.
I'm married and have four boys.
I make $74,000/year with income/retirement and other sources of revenue.
I'm putting my wife through master's program in college, taking two boys to baseball practice/games four times a week.
I travel 70miles a day (round trip) to work. I'm thankful for my job.
My car got 25mpg so I bought a used motorcycle getting 47mpg. If If I slow it down a bit I could probably get 50mpg.
I pay $1,800/month in childcare and daycare expenses. I rent a house at $850/month. Pay health, auto, life and dental insurance. I didn't have life or dental when I was unemployed.
I'm thankful to live in a relatively safe environment. I'm not getting shot at, bombed or beatin' on a daily basis.
I'm thankful...that as I put my kids to bed they aren't crying because of gunfire and chaos in the street.
I'm thankful....
@kimjimbro - your post makes the most sense here...Europeans and Americans taking cheapshots on blogs about each other gets nothing for anyone. Despite all of the world problems and the various causes we all have computers or internet access to type on the internet! Seems like we are living pretty well!
One comment about the gas prices though...despite the huge spike in the price, especially recently (I live in NY), I have seen no reduction in the amount of traffic congestion. People see the high prices, and they will complain all day about it, but at the end of the work day, everybody climbs into their SUV's and pickup trucks and *drives* home! I see no increase in the use of carpooling, the state has NOT increased spending on public transportation, and I never see people riding bikes or walking to work. SO QUIT COMPLAINING!
I disagree about the level of congestion in NY. At least for my commute from Jackson Heights, Queens, to south shore of Long Island (a reverse commute), I have seen a drop off since April of this year. I have been travelling to this job since Feb '07 and the difference has been clear. I leave around 0725. Initially I attributed the decrease in traffic to the holidays in April, but it never seemed to be back to "normal."
Hmm, what else can I comment here. This was such an entertaining post. Obama is no longer most recently against off shore drilling for that Democratic-party hater dude. Of course, his (Obama) behavior I find potentially disturbing, because it seems as if his core can be compromised in order to get the most votes from the masses. Is it Machiavellism, or will he turn into "Slick Willie," and be a lying compromiser, like B.Clinton. Don't get me wrong, I still support him, and think he's a wonderful inspirationalist.
Hi everybody - interresting post (a lot of different perspectives - not a YES!/NO! battle - I like it).
Here in France we pay about 1.4 euros a liter - about 7.84 USD for a gallon - a lot more thant the 3.5 or 4 I here about on US tv - anyway I would just like to point out that some people are saying "It's like apple and oranges" because of the mpg argument - I don't quite understand, see how we all have basically the same choice of cars (of course advertising and car sellers prefers to sell SUVs in the US, and if we want one here we have less choice - but you CAN have a smart in the US or a Hummer in France - and the only reason our cars have better mpg (usually smaller cars) is BECAUSE (mainly) of the gas prices.
Yes, US Citizens pay If they want basic health care I guess (and a lot If I get it right) - but that's why in those prices here we mainly pay taxes (which we use to finance our Health Care system - about free for everybody) - But that the choice of governments (I Know I risk to be hit but personnally I think our solution is better on that subject).
Anyway, to recenter my post - if the prices rises, buy a smaller car - I know you sometimes find them ridiculous - but guess what ? If prices were here like in the US, we would have a lot more of SUVs, believe me. - You play with the hand you're delt with - High prices - buy a smaller compact car (and do not tell me it's not possible, too small, .... - the rest of the world - everybody in EU, does it. - and I don't necessarily mean a tiny car - a "normal" one, like the size of a prius or a normal ford, toyota, .....)
PS : Smart for 2 60.1 MPG
Toyota Prius's 65.7 MPG
My 16 year old 5 doors Peugeot = 30+ MPG (at 16 being, treated like crap - never anyone did anything else than putting water, oil, etc.. when the lights go up .... whe we have time lol)
The speculators are out of the market and we are back to sanity. $1.87 per gallon this morning in the Boston area as of December 4, 2008. Of that .184 is Federal tax and .235 is state tax. The real cost of a gallon is $1.45 with a sales tax of .42. The sales tax is a fixed amount in the US, not a %. As a %, it would be 29% at the $1.87 level. The sale tax on other purchases in the US varies by state from zero to 8% with the average at about 5%.
all these are pretty wrong. but thats ok the exchange values change and it would be worse if they remained the same.
its cheaper than they say. maybe the values are forged? by the government!
and they want to create an artificial state of stagnation in the current oil market, and by secretly posessing mass quantities of oil and gas manipulate supply, in turn bringing the demand and therefore raising/lowering the price of said natural resources to their liking.
and that my friends is like a giant punting a midget: complete control of the situation.
now if that tripped you out, then congratulations b/c we are as high as the eye could see