We aren't the only ones unhappy

[CarolA]

It's easy to assume that only Americans are expereince higher fuel prices.

I found this on www.ricksteves.com

Rail Strike Underway in France
May 22 — Only half of trains ran in France today as rail workers there walked off the job to protest changes to pension plans. A minimum level of service was preserved on most lines, and the Metro in Paris was unaffected, as were the high-speed Eurostar and Thalys trains. Air travel at Paris' major airports was not affected but there were reported delays at smaller airports. An unrelated blockade of France's coastal oil depots by fishermen angry over rising fuel prices has disrupted ferry service between Calais in France and Dover in the UK.


(I added the bold. I guess the French are seeing higher prices too!)

 

[abeyst]

Wow! It's a little nicer when you know other regions are feeling the fuel-price-pinch, too.

 

[hildarumpole]

I read an article in NY Times a few weeks ago about how unhappy the Europeans are with their economic situation. People are giving up their 2nd cars and weekend trips to the country. There was mention of a family (both parents are teachers) in France who could no longer afford to buy their bread at the local bakery due to huge price spikes, so they had to make their own. The increased pricing in wheat and other food commodities, along with fuel costs is a worldwide problem, not just U.S. Europe also has higher inflation and unemployment rates. It's easy to get down on our own situation, but many people are worse off. Higher cost food and fuel has limited aid to 3rd world nations, which is creating tremendous hardship and suffering. I'm not thrilled about my grocery bill or the pain at the pump, but we can still afford all the things we need and most of the things we just want.

 

[eliza61]

It's easy to assume that only Americans are expereince higher fuel prices.

I found this on www.ricksteves.com

Rail Strike Underway in France
May 22 — Only half of trains ran in France today as rail workers there walked off the job to protest changes to pension plans. A minimum level of service was preserved on most lines, and the Metro in Paris was unaffected, as were the high-speed Eurostar and Thalys trains. Air travel at Paris' major airports was not affected but there were reported delays at smaller airports. An unrelated blockade of France's coastal oil depots by fishermen angry over rising fuel prices has disrupted ferry service between Calais in France and Dover in the UK.


(I added the bold. I guess the French are seeing higher prices too!)

Say it ain't so! I've been dreaming of France for the last 2 years (saving all my pennies) and I'm determined to go next year, if I've got swim over. There's got to be 1 place on the planet that is actually happy.

 

[bavaria]

Gas in Europe is and has been far more expensive than in America - about double the cost. Right now it is anywhere from $8 to $9 a gallon on average

 

[Alesia]

The US actually has some of the lowest fuel prices in the world. In Myanmar, gas costs about $15 per gallon. Probably more since the cyclone hit. That's tremendously expensive considering that the average family earns less than $400 a year.

 

[pigletto]

It' true all over. European are paying far far more than any of us can even fathom.
And here in Canada.. the gas prices that I am missing and wishing were still here are the same that you are experiencing now.
We're up to nearly 5 dollars a gallon in most parts.
It's scary for everyone.

 

[LadyEMT]

"Between approximately 65 and 75 percent of the price of gasoline in the U.K. is taken as taxes." -MSNBC article.

For funding their health care, maybe?

 

[mtblujeans]

Gas in Europe is and has been far more expensive than in America - about double the cost. Right now it is anywhere from $8 to $9 a gallon on average

Pardon my ignorance, but...are the same oil/fuel companies we deal with in America selling oil/fuel all around the world? Or, are the companies different in Europe?

 

[bavaria]

In terms of branded stations? Some are the same, such as BP, Shell. Some are the same companies but under different brand names.

 

[mtblujeans]

In terms of branded stations? Some are the same, such as BP, Shell. Some are the same companies but under different brand names.

I don't understand why our country, or any other, doesn't do something about the apparently monopoly. But, again, I am really ignorant on this topic.

 

[bavaria]

I know that most readers know where the oil is coming from, but does anyone know which country has the 2nd highest oil reserves in the world? It may surprise you.....

You may be surprised which country is the top supplier of oil to the US

 

[bavaria]

whoops double post

 

[Jacklynn]

I know that most readers know where the oil is coming from, but does anyone know which country has the 2nd highest oil reserves in the world? It may surprise you.....

We do of course... we just don't drill it

 

[mtblujeans]

Where does Russia sit in the reserve pool?

 

[bavaria]

We do of course... we just don't drill it

you may want to look north.....

Canada is believed to have the second largest oil reserves in the world, according to several estimates.

And Canada is actually the largest supplier of oil to the US

Russia is in the top ten list of estimated oil reserves, and on the top of the list for natural gas.

 

[bavaria]

Here is what the CIA lists as proven oil reserves

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2178rank.html

Canada #3
Russia #9
US #12

The figures vary by source, but the rankings tend to be in the same general order

 

[Jacklynn]

you may want to look north.....

Canada is believed to have the second largest oil reserves in the world, according to several estimates.

And Canada is actually the largest supplier of oil to the US

Russia is in the top ten list of estimated oil reserves, and on the top of the list for natural gas.

We have a ton up there in Alaska, we aren't even sure how much because we won't drill into it. Not saying I believe we should or we shouldn't there are cases for both, but knowing that Alaska has so much it doesn't surprise me that Canada would

 

[mtblujeans]

The Dakotas and eastern Montana (Williston Basin) is supposed to have a huge reserve and that is where they are finding alot of dinosaur remains of late. Rumor up here is we are 'hanging on to' the reserves until the middle east goes dry(er). I would like to see solar power developed more commercially...that way we would have to keep our air clean, too!

 

[bavaria]

Wind power is another source - it always startles me to drive around a certain hill on the Autobahn in Germany and see this one GIANT windmill.