I have a confession to make — I’m glad gas prices in the United States, as elsewhere, are rising. And I’m quietly hoping they’ll keep going higher because there may possibly be no more effective way to promote conservation and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
Higher pump prices might be the only way that we Americans will ever even begin adjusting our driving habits and reducing fuel consumption — when it hits you in the pocketbook. The price of gas in the United States may be cresting at over the $4 per gallon level but it is still far lower than it many other countries where fuel taxes are much higher.
In Germany, gasoline is now up to about 6 euros ($9) per gallon. German think tanks have forecast that it would take prices of 10 euros ($15) per gallon to radically change driving habits.
Certainly there are fewer mass transit options in the United States than in Europe and elsewhere. And higher fuel prices are especially problematic for people with low or no income. What’s nevertheless disheartening in the United States is that any suggestion of alleviating the price squeeze in the United States through the conservation of fuel by driving less or by driving smaller, more fuel-efficient cars or by using public transportation seems to get drowned out by a strange political debate about temporarily suspending the federal fuel tax for a few months during the summer holiday season.
That seems to be sending the wrong message to Americans, who already use about one quarter of the world’s gas. It’s a wasted opportunity, in the age of climate change, to help a global campaign for conservation.
I spent an illuminating week recently driving around in California. It was amazing that so many people are still driving enormous SUVs even though fuel prices are high and rising. It was also amazing that people drive their enormous SUVs and other gas-guzzling cars at such high speeds and with such jack-rabbit acceleration.
I was in my mother’s 10-year-old sub-compact and tried to keep to the 60 mph speed limits on the freeways. It sometimes felt like I was standing still. Speeding cars, trucks and busses were passing on the left, on the right and some wanted to run right over me (it seemed). Even at 60 mph I was evidently a traffic nuisance. 
Some especially fast cars can go from zero to 60 in 10 seconds or less. Admittedly I’m a bit obsessed with saving fuel. It takes me about 40 seconds to get to 60 mph. Even getting to 30 mph takes about 20 seconds. To save fuel, I try to avoid braking and never step hard on the gas. I got nearly 50 miles per gallon with that car.
A relative who lent me her mid-sized car was amazed when I went twice as far (600 miles) on a tank as she does. She wanted to know the secret. It’s no secret. It’s just common sense. But with political leaders tripping over themselves with promises of a summer fuel tax holiday, few in America seems to be getting that message.
What do you think about high gas prices?
Trackback
66 comments so far
Previous | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | Next
I see where you are coming from. But since the gas prices have gone higher its hard for my family to afford the food prices and make it to work and back everyday. I think that since they raised the gas prices they should raise workers salary so they will be able to provide for their families.
- Posted by EllieI understand where Erik is coming from. I am from Germany and have lived here for almost 9 years. Although I love this country and love to live here, there are a few areas where I am struggling getting used to. I can’t just use my bicycle to run to the store 1.5 miles away to get some milk, as I am afraid for my life riding the bicycle without bike paths or sidewalks in my neighborhood. It also bums me out that I can’t just go for a stroll with my 4 year old without having to drive 4 miles to a park. It is almost impossible in certain areas to incorporate walking and have to pay a membership to a gym in order to exercise to fight obesity (also a huge problem in this country). I could go on and on, but thought I’d rather share this link http://www.storyofstuff.com - you don’t have to be a Liberal and still get a different perspective after seeing this. Best regards, Andrea Paulinelli, CEO
- Posted by Andreaok,
whoever loves high gas prices can walk to work!! unlike real people we have jobs and time issues. i agree that we are killing our earth by the pollution. But thats life. i am poor and well who’s rich nowdays living in san diego. due to the current gas prices i lost my place and was forced to live out my car. i have a 92 buick roadmaster 5.7 v-8 and i have a 88 civic dx hatch 1.5 liter v-6. i had to buy 2 cars due to rising gas prices. so when you think about it. now im burring twice as much gas because i cant afford the gas in my v8 but i still drive it too. if gas prices were reasonable people wouldnt be killing eachother. stealling gas from pumps and cars. less roberies and a more happy california. so im suppose to ride public transportation? why? to get stabbed and shot again? no thank you. there are a lot of wakos out there and i depend on myself. gas should be pre paid and well we should get discounts for low income falilies like myself and the other millions of people out here suffering cuz gas providers know that we HAVE to drive. they can raise it to 100 dollars a gallon and we would still pay. thats b/s!!!! I SAY NO TO HIGH GAS PRICES AND IT CAUSING MORE CRIME AND FRAUD. I dont drive! only to work and back BECAUSE THATS ALL I CAN AFFORD!! our nation will crumble soon and fall apart. oh yah ps. ITS BUSHES FAULT!!
- Posted by ese tails loak of se sdI dive a 2007 Mini Cooper S. I just drove over 1100 miles @ 67/Mph and was able 2 get over 40mpg. as i was driving i noticed everyone even the Big Semi Trucks that have been complaining about gas prices, and threating to go on strike, blowing me off the highway. so until everyone decides to slow down and trade there grocery getting 4X4’s and there urban crawling SUV’s in for something smaller then i have no sympathy for them. -CoryB.
- Posted by CoryBYou want a comment, I’l give you one. To steal a phrase from Dr. Savage “Liberalism is a mental disorder”. The NO bunch are stopping everything- Why can’t we progress? We need oil, gas nuclear energy, road and rail systems improved-the list goes on and on. The greatest country, is reduced to it’s citizens shivering in their houses at night and unable to afford the gas to get to work. Why? We are held hostage by the liberal extremist environmentalists, who are gleeful to see high gas prices such as the above article, who think we should try driving the clown cars as we navigate the super highways competing with trucks. Nothing wrong with pushing to change the technology but a crash program won’t work without destroying the economy. What is wrong with you people? We are certainly able to drill for oil in our own country and still be aware and caring of environmental concerns. If those that built America said no, where would we be. Here’s my comment : storm Washington tell them you have had enough. This is no time for a crash course in gasless cars. Last, all you bon vivant Europe lovers- go live there.
- Posted by streetfighterBottom line here is we all need to do whatever we
can to reduce our consumption. Some of the steps needed range are merely inconvenient (biking, carpooling, or taking mass transit, instead of driving, wherever possible). Others are difficult (moving closer to work, paying higher taxes for mass transit, trading in your gas guzzler for a smaller, more efficient car). Some people will not be able to make the adjustment, and I think it’s reasonable to find a safety net to help these people through the transition. What I think is not reasonable for us to focus our attentions on enabling ourselves to consume gas at anywhere close to the current rate. The problems with consuming oil at our current rate are in many of the posts above.
No one should have been blindsided by the eventual demise of our cheap-fuel culture/economy. Those of us who have left ourselves unprepared have a hard reality to face, and I support some sort of safety net during this transition. The longer we postpone moving to a more fuel-efficient society, though, the harder the adjustment is going to be for all of us. It’s never easy to change this ship’s course, but the sooner we bite the bullet on this, the better. If high gas prices finally spur us to action, then we’re all better off in the long run, because difficult as it is now, it would be even worse, or worse for more of us, if we wait even longer.
- Posted by Jon WetherbeeWhat if diesel gets so expensive that no one can afford to ship toilet paper any more? OMG!!!
- Posted by DarrenIf truckers stop delivering toilet paper to washinton &
- Posted by terence giblinwallstreet. You will see a change in oil prices.
sometimes you have to put the pressure where it belongs!
I only drive to work and to get groceries at the moment. Here in my southern city there is very little mass transportation and the Temps and humidity make traveling by Bicycle risky. Even if you arrive alive your soaking wet . Don’t think the boss would like that.
- Posted by BrianEurope uses oil not Gas $7 bucks less 30% for increased millage = 4.90 US and they get health care.
- Posted by stanAlright.. I’m not understanding this guy.. for most of you people writing we are the United States we are not all the other countries so frankly I don’t believe that we are wrong for not wanting to pay high gas prices. I am also all about conserving I am one of those people who take forever to go from 0-60 but I live in the middle of no where in Pennsylvania because it’s the only place my family could afford. The only good jobs that pay over $8 an hour are in northern jersey, so my father commutes 72 miles to work each way. He leaves at 2 in the morning so I highly doubt there are a few buddies he can gather to carpool with and we selling our home and moving is easier said and done. Americans have bills, families and responsibilities. Our paychecks are not going up, but yet everything else is. I’m happy you can breath better while my family starves because we need to chose between fuel and food. Environmentalists need to push more on fuel alternatives then just rising gas prices, I’d love for them to take a step in the lower/middle class peoples lives. I’m happy they can all afford their Toyota prius’ .. while I drive my 1986 Chevy Caprice Classic… Consider other people.. it’s not that easy
- Posted by KimberlyHP,
“This is a big SCAM…tell me something..how can price of something could increase by 400% in 3 years….”
Ummmm…The cost of housing in California?
- Posted by Nancy[...] in pain, high gas prices put smiles on the faces of environmentalists Share ItDiggdel.icio.usFacebookRedditStumbleUp on Email It gas prices • hybrids • [...]
- Posted by Daily Transit Links Roundup | MetroRiderLABefore all of you start comparing the price of gas in Europe to the U.S. you need to realize one thing. The price of raw gas in Europe is about the same as it is here. One reason it is so much higher at their pumps is because their governments tax it at a much higher rate than ours does. That money is then used to pay for things like health care, college, day care etc. things this country does not provide for its citizens. So to say a gallon of gas is $7.00 in Europe compared to $4.00 here is a misnomer as the extra money goes to pay for things their citizens don’t have to pay for but we do. So technically we pay about the same price, that is if you have health insurance, pay for college and have day care, etc.
- Posted by EmilyNot to sound really stupid, but where is this mass public transportation? Seriously, the last bus I rode was in grade school. I am 23 years old getting married in two weeks, I admit, I have a half ton pick up truck that gets 20 miles to the gallon, where my fiance has a car that gets close to 30 mpg that I should be driving, but I have a job that requires a truck for the most part. I am already car pooling, and as for public transportation, I live in a rural area, there isn’t any jobs local, you have to drive an hour minimum. Yes I could move, whats the point, I couldn’t afford to sell my home and buy a new one, and no for those of you thinking dont buy a huge home, I dont have a big house, very small and cramped but who can afford to be happy and pay for what they really want. I wont lie I make very decent money for the area I live in, but the problem is what every middle to lower class folks face just like me, lets take a house payment, insurance, vehicle payment, vehicle insurance, doctors bills, groceries, gas, and utilities, hell who can afford to do anything else. No matter if I drive my truck or my fiance’s car I spend more money in a month driving back and forth to work while car pooling than I do on any payment I have or groceries. What about my upcoming marriage, it is almost to the point now that I worry about money, we both have great paying jobs, but what about people younger than me, what about when it is time for them to get married? How is anybody going to make it through life, even on a combined salary, gas will still be going up, oil changes will go up, intrest rates (lets not go there). I know we all bicker about what goes on today in society, but what about what happens in the future, what kinda life do we want to leave for the next generation. I know parents always worry for their children, but the U.S. is almost to the point where it is almost a crime against humanity to bring a newborn into the world. If you are single, or married and you are barely getting by, what about when you through children in the mix. With gas prices so high, who can afford to take families on vacation. Who can take children on those little weekend get aways where you go to a musuem or civil war site, or some historical site to better their knowledge of the world or theire heritage. I know I have complained about more than just gas prices here, but when you really think about it, doesnt everything relate around gas. Honestly, I heard gas could get to 6 dollars by the end of the summer, to be quite truthful, I would rather quit my job, and live off the government, (no offense to anyone), I mean what is going to happen when folks are working and not even making enough money to cover fuel. What happens to the rest of the bills in the households?
- Posted by JeremyI’ve just filled my car in Sweden where petrol costs SEK 13 a litre, or about $2.20. That’s $7.70 a US gallon.
- Posted by PaulThe political and business reaction in the US and UK seems to be blame OPEC for not pumping enough to supply demand, and the public are latching on to that. But what if they can’t? Ask yourselves that question. Then ask government and business about their plans to handle THAT situation if it turns out to be true.
I really don’t understand some of you rationalist environmentalists. You are constantly telling us that we need to reduce CO2 emmisions to save the earth, and saying that we can all see the effects of global warming. You ask me, I don’t see any changes at all with global warming. It’s just a big media thing to get some genius somewhere thinking of a magical solution to the problem, like air powered cars or something. I think that it’s just being rushed too much. The majority of the geniuses out there who might know what to do may be being forced out of their homes right now because of this. If you take that stand you realize that this may be damaging the environment more than it is “saving” it. Before you say that this is a good thing, show us some research that is making progress in our lifetime. I am going into the research field myself. If I knew what we were working on, I might have some ideas myself. The only problem is, I’ve only heard complaints. A solution, even one in progress is something worthwhile. Right now, we don’t have anything. The battery on the hydro-car causes tons of polution when it is made. Great solution there guys!
- Posted by Daniel MWhat’s the big deal? A high fuel price is the best possible incentive to conserve. Necessity is the mother of invention.
- Posted by Robert SI would like to point out a fundamental fact please. Oil is a finite commodity. The reality, is that by most estimations, the world will not be running out of economical oil reserves (given improving recovery technology and rising prices) for quite some time, it is not an inexaustible resource and as such, should be priced in a way that makes consumers understand that. The idea that oil, and gasoline (an refined product), should be abundant and cheap is not economically sound. The costs facing oil producers are rising as quickly and alarmingly as the price of Brent. Not to say that they are struggling in the current environment, but that the cost of oil must rise accordingly. Oil companies are not public services, and such, will not continue to operate in a world where the price of oil does not justify its extraction, plain and simple. What we, as consumers must do, is to take a long hard look at our consumption trends (yes, I’m speaking to you Mr. Three Hummers) and take proactive action to curb such excesses that pinch the market. Only in this fashion can we hope to normalize the oil markets, and yes, the P/bbl.
- Posted by Chris BellmanI’m going to laugh once these high fuel prices prompt some new and cheap energy alternate that makes gasoline obsolete. The big oil companies are pricing themselves out of business. They had a good thing going, but they’ve gotten greedy. Where is the next “Bill Gates” of alternative energy? We’re waiting for you…
- Posted by Danno