Why do Americans complain about their fuel prices being high, when they are among the lowest in the world?

Question

US complains about $4 per Gallon - UK is current paying 95p per litre (about $7-8 per gallon)

Would it be better for them to start building cars with smaller but more efficent and powerful engines?

Answer 1

They are building new cars. And americans that can afford them are buying them. Hybrids are terribly popular here.
And they're complaining because it is suddenly alot higher in price, and we don't have alternative means of transportation. Our cities are spread out so manufacturing and businesses are miles from homes. Many people live an hour away from their jobs by car. That is way too far to bike. And biking is only good in the summer in most of the US anyway. So it's a sudden expenditure that some people can't afford. And other people just like to complain, frankly. It's always unfair to they guy in the hummer. Poor little guy.
It's a matter of how the infrastructure of the US was planned, which is with a theoretically endless supply of cheap oil.

Answer 2

Yes it would be better but Americans like to complain. Besides put of our complaining is how it all went up like in a year or two. Actually gas is about $3 a gallon around here, and not really that high but close. Another thing is that it goes up like 30 cents in 2 days. Wouldn't that upset you? Espically when you own a car that gets maybe 20 mpg. Maybe if they would BUY FUEL EFFICIANT cars they wouldn't be as upset about the price.

Answer 3

The US has a large refining, import, and domestic drilling capacity to satisfy the national obsession with the car. It is a staple of American culture that has created an infrastructure in which individuals in most parts of the country absolutely must have their own vehicle to travel to work, or accomplish the simplest of tasks. Add to this an affinity for larger vehicles, which has been fueled by decades of marketing and supported by low gasoline prices (as well as US Oil corporations).
As such, Americans are obviously annoyed when gas prices increase, as most individuals will inevitably end up paying a larger portion of their wages on transportation costs.
Your gas may be more expensive in the UK, but there are few places in your country where public transportation is not accessible (I know, I've lived there).
But, as with all things, the automotive market in the US is already changing. You can note that most major auto manufacturers in our region have begun introducing their smaller, more fuel efficient European/global models.

Answer 4

I am paying more than € 1,48 per litre (Holland)

Not only will they use less fuel if they drive cars with smaller and efficient engines, they will solve a small part of the global warming as well.

I have a small car (Smart for2) and the average is 1 litre per 20 km

Answer 5

Well thats just the thing. The added cost in other countries go for things like universal health care. I live in CA. Refineries everywhere in this state, and the cost here is a dollar a gallon more than 1/2 way across the U.S. We so wish they would start making more feul efficient vehicles.

Answer 6

Hey buddy We have the right to complain.
We have gave billions of dollars to oil producing countries for years. We come to thier aid when they need millitary assistance and lets not talk about all the other crap that we the American taxpayers have givien them over the years. Nor the fact that they come here and buy buisness and do not pay one damn dime of taxes for 7 years. THen before they have to pay the taxes they sell it to a relative which is as usual the tax payer pays for to come here on a goverment type sponsorship.
So until you know all the facts shut up and fix your own fuel crisis first.

Answer 7

Because it's normal to complain when a product increases in price....just like you would complain if your gas prices went up again. Pretty simple and obvious answer.
Of course your going to have all the idiots that just like to jump on any chance to insult Americans by saying they are spoiled brats. Some people just aren't happy unless they are putting someone down. Kind of sad.

Answer 8

dude settle down in canada im paying $111.9 per litre.as far as the lowest prices in the world try again its not the USA its all the middle east countries where they pay pennies per tank.perhaps the prices in the uk are so high cause you dont have the same number of oil refineries as the usa

Answer 9

They should base fuel prices on the vehicle you drive. $1/gallon for Hybrids. $2/Gallon for Compact - Midsize. $3/Gallon for Full Size. $6/Gallon for SUV's. $7/Gallon for Trucks. Make the people PAY for their car convienance and ignorance towards the environment.

Answer 10

Because Americans are spoiled, and with the way they complain it shows they are spoiled brats.

Americans never developed a good mass transit system, the government opted individual freedoms that come with automobiles instead of placing the money into mass transist (like the European countries do)