Why do Europeans blame America for high gasoline prices?

Question

Earlier, I asked why Europeans are so down on Americans and one "Chap" said that we are to blame for high gas prices around the world because we started the war in Iraq. Then why were global gas prices much lower during most of our visit to Iraq? And why do analysts say gas prices are based on demand? And why don't we just investigate the possibility that Opec is raising prices now, because they see the carmakers making cars that will require little or no gasoline in the future? That said, why do you Europeans blame us for high gas prices?

Answer 1

1, I'm not European; 2, it's the refining capacity not the price of a barrel of oil that drives the core price. Shortage in efining + increased usage = higher price at the pump. The price of gas in Europe has always been higher that in the US. Bottom line is that the war in Iraq has nothing to do with the price at the pump here or in Europe.

Answer 2

gas prices lower during your "visit" invasion of iraq. Who made that up? Analysts know that gas prices are based on a lot of things. Opecs not the one nudgeing up the street signs everyday. It will be a long time before Yankees abandon thier suv's and buy a hybrid. Because it's your fault.

Answer 3

That was just one person's opinion. Europeans have been paying outrageous prices for gas all along because their countries tax the living bejeevers out of it. People need to look to China to see why gas prices are rising. There economy is growing like gangbusters. They are no longer the rickshaw transportation group.

Answer 4

Ignorance. OPEC and the new industrialization of China are to blam. Perhaps the U.S. too, but no more than any other 1st world nation. Plus, in the EU gas is like $7.00 a gallon (after conversion). Where did you hear this?

Answer 5

You have answered your own question partially. I would say world market demands for oil outstrip supply. Fanned by growing economy in both China and India where both countries now produce compact cars that is very cheap and made affordable for the new emerging middle class citizens of both countries. Oil prices will never go down especially where countries like Vietnam, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka joined China and India as new haven for foreign investment where cheap labors and raw materials is abundant.

Answer 6

Fluctuating gas prices go back as far as the Carter Administration in the 1970's when people waited for hours in long lines for gas. This was caused by problems in Iran. The middle east will continue to manipulate the world with it's oil as long as we continue to allow it.

Answer 7

WE DO NOT

WE THANK YOU FOR OUR DECREASING PRICES !!!!!

Why ? Because we pay our gas imports in US $.... which is cheaper for us since the US dollar is falling as a result of your monetary policy...

You might have created a bit higher "psychological price" by destabilizing a bit more the middle east but its ok

By the way, our car are twice as fuel efficient as yours... so we are indeed less dependant from gas.

We are indeed lucky to have already set high taxes on gas... it finances our free education and health system. It obliges us to be more fuel efficient which decreases our imports and improves our trade balance.

Countries who wanted to increase taxes on oil can´t do it right now because it would be not acceptable for the population as the prices already are so high.

As such we are the only one having a large margin to use taxes to stabilize the price or decrease it.

Answer 8

A girl in St. Petersburg once told me, "Football (soccer) is the most popular sport in the world. Hating Americans is the second most popular."

Answer 9

One word answer-BUSH. . .