Gas Prices Around the World – I used to laugh when I heard people in the U.S. complain about gas prices; given that they were only a quarter of the price that the rest of the world was paying. However – don’t blame me – since I have been living over here, Gas prices have continued to rise around the world.
According to the AAA daily fuel gauge report, Americans are now paying about half of what drivers in Europe pay, but more than other countries in the world. What other countries? Well, check out this roundup of gas prices from around the world, especially those with fuel subsidies like Saudi Arabia, Iran and Venezuela.
Gas Prices Around the World
The debate will forever rage on about gas prices, but the thing most Europeans forget is just how much driving people in the U.S. have to do. Granted, it is by choice that many of them still drive big gas guzzlers, but the fact of the matter is they feel rising gas prices more than most. Thanks to the German Agency for International Cooperation, we can compare gas prices around the world.
Canada – $5.56 per gallon
Gas prices vary across Canada. They are a producer of oil although apply heavy taxes on it. In February, Ontario’s motorists paid about 38% in taxes at the pump, more than triple the U.S. rate
France – $8.29 per gallon
European countries are well-known for their sky-high gas prices. France is no exception, levying taxes of over $4.50 per gallon.
Turkey – $9.96 per gallon
It might be surprising, but Turkey has the highest gas prices. One of the most expensive cities to buy gas is Istanbul.
Saudi Arabia – $0.61 per gallon
No, you did not read that wrong, $0.61 per gallon. Saudi Arabia has one-fifth of global oil reserves. Need I say more? AS you can imagine, the Saudi Arabia gas subsidies are pretty damn good.
Iran – $1.44 per gallon
Again, you wold not complain at that either. Drivers used to purchase a rationed 60 liters (about 16 gallons) of gas at about 10 cents per liter, with taxi drivers allowed more. Since then Iran gas prices quadrupled.
India – $5.03 per gallon
India gas subsidies are a thing of the past +India deregulates gas pricing. Prices have gone up by about $1 since June 2010.
China – $4.54 per gallon
China’s economic regulatory agency, the National Development and Reform Commission, adjusts the retail price of gasoline when the cost of crude oil changes by more than 4% over 22 business days.
Japan – $6.62 per gallon
Tax per gallon of about $3 takes prices to over six bucks. However, Japan has a state of the art rail system to make up for it.
Australia – $5.41 per gallon
A benefit to Australian consumers right now is their thriving currency, which recently traded at a record-breaking rate against the U.S. dollar. Australia’s deregulation of the energy market helps too.
Brazil – $5.98 per gallon
Each of the country’s 33,000 gas stations offer pure hydrated ethanol, according to the Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association. And motorists can drive Flexfuel vehicles, designed to run on a mixture of gasoline and ethanol.
Venezuala – $0.08 per gallon
Like Iran and Saudi Arabia, oil-rich Venezuela has stitched affordable gas into its national fabric. Oil is seen as a national resource, effectively owned by all and to which all are entitled. At $0.08 per gallon, I think it is fair to say that Venezuela has the cheapest gasoline.
Gas Prices Around the World – Does this make you feel better, or worse, about gas prices in your country? What do you think the prices per gallon will reach this year in the U.S?
