Gas Prices Are Insane —Everywhere Else

As US drivers complain, those overseas think we're lucky

By John Johnson, Newser Staff

Posted Mar 10, 2011 11:43 AM CST
Updated Mar 12, 2011 12:10 PM CST

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Gas Prices Are Insane —Everywhere Else — A woman returns to her car after filling up at a gas station advertising regular gasoline on sale for $4.32 Wednesday, March 9, 2011, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

Gas prices are climbing again, which means people are complaining, which means it's time for a spate of stories showing how relatively cheap gas remains in the US. Here's a rough estimate of world prices per gallon, courtesy of CNN:

US: $3.53
Norway: $9.28
Europe: Between $7.50 and $8 for most, including Britain, Ireland, Italy, France, and Germany.

Denmark: $8.20
Greece: $8.45
Japan: $6.30
Canada: $4.49
OPEC nations: Generally, under a dollar.

What gives? "The difference between countries comes down to taxes and subsidies," says one oil analyst. "Prices are incredibly high in Europe because of the stiff taxes that EU countries put on fuel. The same holds true for many other countries." (More gas prices stories.)

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