$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Craig Seeley, Cedar Rapids, Iowa — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 05:27:22 GMT

To me, Barack Obama is a black and white Abraham Lincoln, ready to lead America out of its racist, discriminatory, bias, hate-mongering, divisive, partisan, gender bias, etc. ways … to get America out of its box of bigotry.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Tom Albert, Washington DC — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 12:11:59 GMT

This is what should happen in the US, actually, we should have fuel at $20/gallon, this way we get rid of many poor (financially and techically) drivers off the road, making it safer for the rest of us. Plus, the added bonus is we would finally get serious about using our technological superiority to create means of transport that doesn't pollute, nor force us into importing the poisons buried under a mid eastern desert and spewing it into the air. Cutoof the money supply to the Middle East by bypassing their ONE commodity, and we end the wars and civil strife. No need for oil, no need for war. Let ehm live in the 10th century if they like, it won't affect us, and we don't make more enemies.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Uli Weber — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 12:21:08 GMT

Yes, the prices for gas are exploding in Germany.
As mentioned above, many people have no choice to take the car, because of the infrastructure of public transportation. BUT.
As far as I can see, we are not subborn racers on the autobahn.
The average speed on the autobahn has decreased in the last years. The today avg. is 117 km/h ( 73 mls ).
This happened due to the fact that over 50% of the autobahns have speedlimits, so there in no more "free riding" in germany.
Most of the people save fuel, by driving no more than 120km/h ( approx. 75 mls/h ) to save fuel and to save money.
On the other hand, we have cars with fuel consumptions average 5l/100km ( 1.3 gal/62mls ), so that saving fuel is much more easier than 5 years ago.
My hope is that the deployment of alternative enregy is goin faster to get rid of the dependence of the oil and the the dependence of the "playing games" on the oil market, which made it so expensive .

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

ace, san antonio, texas — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 12:30:23 GMT

Believe me when I tell you that we are seeing oil is in its last days as a use for energy. Because of that energy companies are going to raise prices up and up. Some of this has reason, exploring for new deposits, cost of extracting, workforce, etc.... but they are still making a huge profit right now.
We can send a man to the moon but we cannot come up with an alternate energy form to move cars.....no it’s just not in the best interest of the wealthy not to let us have it. We will only see hydrogen fuel cells when gas prices are >$4 or $5 in the US and people just simply can't get to work or kids to school.
Just think....there is a break-even point as to where they can keep raising the price of gas and getting the workforce to show up for work. Profits are where it is at and until the profits of all other industries begin hurting because of the hit consumers are taking on their budgets for gas is only when hydrogen will make it mainstream. Until then, don't expect to see any changes, but up, for the next ten years.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Zayas NJ — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 12:54:53 GMT

After John McCain's presidency, after just a term, we can all expect to pay nine dollars a gallon of gas to keep our cars going. Everyone to the poor farm--expect the super rich.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Mike Weirich Bethel, PA — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 13:07:57 GMT

Yes, they may be paying more for their fuel but they get twice and three times the fuel mileage that the American government allows our vehicles to get here. The 250 MPG diesel car that they invented over there will likely never be approved by our oil companies to be used in the USA. So in the long run they are still way ahead of us financially.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

TCCC — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 13:21:19 GMT

Yep, Germans love their cars. They think it is their God given right to drive as fast as they want on the autobahn (and don't dare stay in the left lane if a Porche comes screaming up behind you). They'll drive 90mph down the autobahn and use a 2 watt light bulb at home to save energy. However, you can park your car two inches from another german car in the parking lot and you will not get a door ding. I'll give them that.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

matt laffredo, blue bell, pa — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 13:46:35 GMT

Thanks to our great president we too will aproach prices that will be close to 8 dollars a gallon. The United States of America should be much more ahead of the curve in terms of fuel efficiet vehicles, alternative energy, and oil independance. Well I guess George W. Bush was a little was little too late in seeing this coming and just recently started to take some measures to help the situation we are in. I guess he just isn't that smart. I guess he does't need to be smart he is only the president of the united states. After all we are all the blame we elected him "TWICE".. It is up to "We The People" of the united states to change the government. Lets have a sense of urgency about this and elect the right people and take action before things get worse like our dollar becoming even more worthless to the point where it is a second rate currency and street vendors are taking euros in place of dollars "in our own country! To make a statement lets not vote in anybody who was a Bush supporter like "Bush Lite" aka. John McCain.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

John Schafer, Inlet Beach FL — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 14:07:21 GMT

By far the biggest cost of gas in Europe are taxes. Governments collect
most of the money. They could reduce taxes if they wished.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Gaylord Randel — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 14:16:19 GMT

The Robber Barrons of society are alive and well. The biggest and most blatent of our time seems to be the the Oil Czars of the world. The cost of fuel at the pump is most apparent and almost everyone can identify with and recgonize how it effects them.
There is a simple and effective way to curb and control this assult on the world economy. A economic method that will maintain balance without allowing the few to dominate and profit from the many. This simple method will end inflation and stabalize economies the world over.
The obvious answer is to tie income directly to the cost of comodities. Tie salaries and wages directly to the cost of say the top 10 or 20 world comodities and make them retroactive. Or in this case with oil being the driving economic force allow it to have more weight in determining salary and wage adjustments. The bottom line is if it costs 10% of your income to pay for fuel today and your consumption has not changed then it will cost 10% tomorrow, next week, next year, and 10% years from now. The same applies for all goods and services.
Societies world wide have bought into the inflation B.S. With dollor and euro rising and falling which is nothing but B.S. designed to allow a few to capitalize on the many by hedging on the money fluctuation market.

Retroactively tie salaries and wages to the cost of comodities and inflation goes away. When you get a raise at work or a promotion then it is really a step-up the ladder of life and not something that is a "cost of living increase B.S."
When OPEC raises its price for a barrel of oil adjust world currency accordingly. Eleminate the trickle down effect with retroactive adjustments. Tying currency values to the economic driving forces of the world retroactively will stabalize all economies.
Hard or impossible to do because of the monumental mathmatical calculations involved you say?? Nothing a simple computer program in the hands a 6 th. grader any where in the world can't handle.
It's so simple, why shouldn't a can of beans that costs .01% of your income today not cost the same .01% 10 years from now if you haven't received a promotion or a salary increase.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Ken from Fort Myers Florida — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 14:18:53 GMT

As I see it, this world of ours better start learning how to walk more, start raising horses to farm our fields, and become more like the Amish people.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

tony hanners dothan, al — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 14:45:34 GMT

i would be all for $8 a gallon here if we would stop buying oil from certain countrys. i say let them start drinking sand and selling that.

i don't want free oil but these prices are down and out stealing

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

leeds yorkshire uk — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 14:47:15 GMT

what is the price of a gallon of regular petrol in the usa

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

m. g. — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 14:47:58 GMT

i can guarantee you the chinese arent paying 8 dollars or even 3 dollars i want their gas prices

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Scott Perkins — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 14:55:44 GMT

Everyone internationally lets unite and begin producing our own fuels from ethenol and coal. developements in wind energy. and water. lets show the oil rich countries they are flirting with disaster because once we start the switch there wont be any going back. sooner the better. S. Perkins PA U.S.A.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Carl Johnson San Francisco, CA — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 14:59:53 GMT

My God I hope we never get there- I work in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia in the Oil business, supply is way up (on OPEC end)-which should in reality drive our prices at the pump down, but folks its the traders (futures)on Wall Strret that are driving the price sky high, so its greed propetuating all this.

Alot can be blamed on Bush, but I chose to not spend my time thinking about him today and his failing polices-hope he has good time preaching too the choir at the Pentagon, about how great everything is in Iraq- which I just returned from and can tell you, honestly there are some improvements (thank you to our wonderful troops), Basra (where alot of oil is), is much better thanks too the Brits, but overall is still one giant sewer, can't tell yo how many times I heard Iraqis tell me and my staff, "Things were better under Saddam".

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Don Meagan Seattle, WA — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 15:03:37 GMT

I am using the high gas prices, brought about by the Bush Whitehouse, as leverage on my wife too buy a top of the line Mountain Bike too ride too work- So thanks GW keep up the good work.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Darrell Barker, Phoenix, Arizona — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 15:04:47 GMT

Though we Americans are hurting too with these Oil Companies market-manipulating prices, I can see that it's worse there in Germany.

We feel your pain.

Darrell Barker
www.kickgas.wordpress.com

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

TruthHurts, Hamburg — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 15:17:17 GMT

All I have to say is turn the Middle East into a radioactive gas station and watch prices fall to what they should be....

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

D Fuller Canton Ohio — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 15:33:01 GMT

It is simple and easy to stop rising fule prices. Go to biofuel. The US farmers could grow Replaceable biofuel On idel land. It just would take a strong committment fron State and Federal governments.
Contrary to many nay sayers it would not cause world hunger to increase. The do It in Brazil. Also Produce one Octain of fuel not four or five force a standard to be used.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Winifred Griffiths — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 16:02:13 GMT

i think the British can top this at $10.00 a Gallon

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

john doe, nowhere wyoming — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 16:06:14 GMT

If I can make an engine which could double gas mileage, why can't the automakers?

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Jack, Laughlin Nevada — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 16:12:59 GMT

I don't see in your article what percent of the $8.00 fuel price is the tax per gallon and what those taxes are used for. That information would be interesting.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Cathy Priest Boise, Idaho — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 16:27:34 GMT

I am still puzzled and infuriated at the price of gas when the oil companies boast of their highest profits ever. What's up with that and what can we do to stop it? They know we can't just stop buying gasoline.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Mary,Barre,Vt — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 16:34:29 GMT

It has to stop somewhere, you would think! I for one will be staying home this summer! See what happens, can't afford to go anywhere anyway! Med, food, or travel? It's come down to that!

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

J Daryl Hunt, San Antonio, Florida — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 16:34:32 GMT

Would it make sense for state and federal governments to spend money, that they are now spending on fuel alternatives, on more effective and user freindly forms of mass transportation. Maybe an ad ampaign to make it "cool" to use such form of transportation. It is my thinking that using public transportation is associated with with the underpaid and less socially acceptable population. That is not the stigmatism mass transit should be stymied with. There are plenty of dollars out there if they are used properly and by using mass transportation the demand for fuel will go down there in turn bring the price of fuel down. Just my thoughts, let me know what you think. thanks

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

dennis clark eugene oregon — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 16:46:28 GMT

the world is learning that all your money is going into the pockets of the super rich. they don't care about common folk anymore than hitler did. their goal is the same as hitler's. world domination. if that was not so, gas would be cheaper.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Joe McGhee, Edison, New Jersey — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 16:52:02 GMT

How about LESS THAN $ 1.00 per gallon of auto fuel??? That's what Coskata Corporation (www.coskata.com )has announced as the cost of a gallon of ethanol derived from biomass by their proprietory process. They are backed in their announcement by General Motors Corporation. Check it out at: www.coskata.com

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Rod, Escanaba MI — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 17:23:14 GMT

I think that you should have mentioned that fact that Germany has over a $3.00 tax for Health Car added to the price they are paying. Again I feel the news media miss leading the people when they don't talk about what all is in the cost of fuel in Europe.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

John Doe — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 17:42:06 GMT

$8 a gallon? Bring it on. Along with my higher salary, your higher salary, higher costs of goods, and on and on to where it will all eventually even out and inflation will have increased to play catchup.

'Going green' has nothing to do about the cost of fuel. I hate to appear apathetic but we are at the mercy of the greedy and they are going to play their political cards until the bitter end and nobody is going to get serious about 'going green' until the oil is gone and, unfortunately, it is too late.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

ftw tx — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 17:50:31 GMT

Ok I am a mechanic in Tx. The cost of fuel gas or diesel is stilll lower than most of the country. but it is still high compared to a yr ago. The other countrys around the globe need to do the same as here diversify on fuel spending.The less everyone uses the lower the prices go down. There are factors that drive prices but in the end its all about the all mighty dollar,euro or whatever.In the end its all about power who holds it. I try to stay out of politics but as long as a republican runs this country the cost of everything will be very high.So in the end its all about who has the most money.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Dan,Downers Grove,IL. — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 18:05:29 GMT

I wonder - has Germany seen an increase in motorcycle sales due to the gas price increase?

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 18:20:35 GMT

Maybe that is what the US needs -- the price of gasoline to go so that people take more mass transit and buy smaller cars. We have to learn to use fuel (in most cases gasoline) better. I drive a car that gets about 35 miles per gallon. I wish it could get more.

The problem with the Bush administration is that they don't understand the concept of mass transit. I guess that is one thing, and the other is that they are oil men wanting people to buy more oil.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Gary Acklin, Gonzales,La. — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 18:30:21 GMT

What people need to realize, the higher the price of a barrel of oil, the better Bush sits once he leaves office. This is his own little "Retirement Plan" and he knows what he's doing. As far as him denying we are headed to a recession, eight words...get you head out of the sand GWB. Have a good day

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Johnny Fowler, Lennon MI — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 18:33:34 GMT

fuel seems to be the driving factor in all rising costs. Food, being shipped or trucked in and out. Everything. I know that it seems insane, but Im not 60 + yrs old.....but I do remember a gallon of fuel being 24-28 cents a gallon. AT this point and time... its is hovering around 3.30 per gallon near my home.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

MI Chicago, IL — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 18:41:19 GMT

How much of the $8.00/gallon is taxes that pay for the programs Democrats are trying to implement for the US. Canada is our largest oil importer yet they pay about 20% more per gallon than we do. They also have to buy beer from state owned stores at a fixed rate of over $30 a case. The sales tax is 15% when the "temporary" GST tax is added. This temporary tax is now over 10 years old. The hospitals look like a third world nation with waiting lists. I can't wait to see the democrats push universal health care with those results

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Robin Steffens, Colorado Springs, Colorado — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 18:44:16 GMT

$8 a gallon,,,,well gee,,,lets just go to Saudi (etal) and take over the refineries we've paid for and let the Princes' "out to pasture".

NTTTG!

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Jay — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 18:45:14 GMT

American's should educate our congressmen about the advantages of nuclear energy. Air Polution from fosil fules such as automobil gas consumption is indisputable. Our healths are adversly impacted by such polution. Everybody agrees on that. However, nuclear energy in the USA has been the safest form of practicall energy. We know it works. We have shot ourselves in the foot by preventing construction of new reactors for a long time. I know it will happen when gas prices hit around $8 a gallon. Since it takes a while to build nuclear reactors we should start NOW. We should talk some sence to oponents of nuclear energy. For the time being there is no better and practical alternative.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Michael D. Woods, Kernersville, NC — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 18:45:33 GMT

The solution to oil prices is simple--leave it alone. We have more coal energy than they have oil. For that matter, North America has more oil than they have, but it's in tar sands, shale, and protected areas. Just let the price rise and it will become worthwhile to extract it. New technologies will be developed too, that use less oil or none at all. To speed it up and reduce imports, an import duty on oil is a possiblity, but not really necessary.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Dennis Shields — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 18:46:31 GMT

The Price of fuel will alway's be a striking point in our economy, because or legislative branch of government will never put a price freeze on fuel in our economic society, if you continue to read below you will understand that if you had the brains of a rock you will understand why I say this,I have one thing to say all lawyers are crooks, they have set-up and organized the most illegal Judicial System in the United States that constantly Violates the United States Constitution, they have set this system up to serve themselves, you ask why I say this, there is appx: 75-90% lawyers in the legislative branch of government which makes the laws in todays society and there is 100% lawyers in the Judicial Branch of our Government, and all the Lawyers today that you get to represent you and also including the lawyers in the Legislative and Judicial branches all belong to the same Bar Association, what ever happened to a fair and impartial court proceeding when they all belong to the same association, what is most disturbing is what ever happen to our seperation of powers act in the Constitution, our forefathers warned us that the reason they set the seperation of powers act is so no one branch would have more power than the other, so basically you have lawyers running our country to bennefit themselves and to control our economy, LET ME REPEAT WHAT I SAID EARLIER ALL LAWYERS ARE CROOKS AND SO ARE JUDGES WHICH ARE LAWYERS

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Samuel — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 18:56:05 GMT

It's time to STOP ALL the oil barons. Anyway it can be done - they need to be STOPPED dead in their tracks. Even if we lose 2/3rds of the world's physical population in a war of principal - they have to be stopped. Now and forever! The same with bankers. As long as the peopel have NO guts to stand up to these bullies - they will continue to cause people to die the world over by their arrogant position. The world has got to quit being a COWARD and the PEOPLE have got to STOP these tyrannical persons who would kill you for a dollar and a liter of oil. They are not special people. They are tyrants who lucked upon a way to rape the earth or have caused wars that kill millions to implement their wealth systems to make themselves wealthy. They have no souls for heaven or hell and the bottom line into their haven is to plunder the lessor motivated and lessor greedy oriented masses of people who just want to live a normal corporate lifestyle. What is normal - under a $100,000.00US. There's no need for prices of oil or water to be as high as it is. DO THE MATH! The oil companies are thieves, liars and cause death the world over. They find excuses to make believe a means to justify the ends - so let them be at the end of their chances to a life and getting into heaven. I know what lies on the other side of this life and where we came from. If the oil barons want to go back there and get a new attitude - then that's fine, too. They are not going forward to the next realm. So be it. They are no different than Lenin, Stalin, Hitler, Saddam, Putin or Bush. They THINK they aren't going to be held accountable - but, Samuel holds them very accountable and the final judgment is that what they are doing is VERY unnecessary. They and their families will pay...forever and in a most saddened and dire way that they make others pay...when no one actually owes them anything because these barons and bankers actually don't own any thing and that includes their souls now. They just declare their ability to deceive and take what they want from the earth and its inhabitants. Return them to RA and let them live there where they will be servant to him instead of torturing the peoples of the earth. Let them go no further in time and let them be steadfast in the past lifes with RA.
SobeitdoneAMEN! Let ALL Gods die in their own arrogantly fostered creations and delusions. Let this sick and tormented dimension claim their lives as they have created a sick universe to torture innocence. Let them now be the tortured.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Mark from Bridgeport Connecticut — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 19:02:56 GMT

Let's compare apples to apples here.

Yes, Germans pay $8 for a gallon of gas. But why wasn't it mentioned that in that amount is a 19% VAT tax and a duty of 65.45 eurocents per litre? That works out to about 2.62EU (or $4.08) a gallon in taxes alone!

US gas taxes are 18.4 US cents per gallon, plus whatever your state chooses; averaging 22-28 cents per gallon, or $0.42-$0.48 per gallon.

Let's not kid ourselves: gas is NOT cheap in the US. It's just more expensive in Germany (and most of Europe) as their governments tax it for revenue at a rate Americans would never accept.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

99999999999 — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 19:14:44 GMT

if so personal health insurance gone ,,, vacation travel gone ,a new house ? think not / again .

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Mr. B , Boston, Mass. — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 19:33:10 GMT

The gas prices would not be so high if Bush hadn't invaded Iraq. And if he had a brain; the USA would be getting oil and money from Iraq for fighting their war for them. We the people need to get rid of at least 1/2 of our gov. and congress, and make the rest pay for their own health ins. NO TAX INCREASES NEEDED..

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Mike, Boulder — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 19:37:33 GMT

Not really a fair comparison since Germany is more Socialistic than the US. The amount of tax imposed on gas is much, much higher than here. So the discussion would have to level the playing field and make an apples to apples comparison.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

flyod chambers — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 19:40:15 GMT

if that is what it takes to get people's attention to conserve, then bring of $8.00 gasoline!

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Mark , Milwaukee, Wisconsin — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 19:41:55 GMT

I'm tired of this arguement. In America, we can't go ten feet without driving there. The cities are made for cars. In Europe, one can live using public transport.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

David Britz, Rumson New Jersey — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 20:03:04 GMT

Has anyone heard of a process called thermal depolymerization (TDP), a process of converting carbon based waste (yes trash) into oil and other valuable and purefied products, a two for one deal! It will help fill our cars and empty our land fills. Remember even fully electric cars will need oil for lubricants, plastics and paints so the use of hydrocarbons isnt going to go away too soon, we just have to figure out how to use this precious material more effectively. If we can also reduce our trash by coverting it into other useful products by processes like TDP, then whats not to love? See http://www.thermaldepolymerization.org/#dont_get_too_excited

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

QB — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 20:04:37 GMT

If only Americans would ride their bikes as much as Europeans do...

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Dan Bailey Dallas Texas — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 20:19:25 GMT

greed---- explains 99% of gas price increases

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Penny, Trinity, Al — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 20:20:16 GMT

This is such a shame, while gas in some countries is still less than $.25 a gallon. We must find alternatives. People cannot live with everything going up but our pay checks.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

BILLY — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 20:51:34 GMT

YES, JUST WHAT THE FEDS AND THESE OIL COMPANUS ARE HOPING FOR. SINCE FEDS AND LAWMAKERS ARE DOING NOTHING ABOUT THIS CRAP ANYWAY. THANKS TO BUSHY BOY AND HIS COHORT THE V.P..

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Crystal Adams — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 20:54:38 GMT

It's only a matter of time before we are paying over 10.00 for gas, give it time, they will rape us too.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Pam S. in Dayton area — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 21:05:56 GMT

Can't people understand that spending more for 'the technology' of a hybrid is simply an equalizer for the higher costs of fuel, but eventually, you pass the break-even point, and you get a greener planet in the bargain. Why don't people get it? Oh well, as I drive my hybrid around town and watch the prices go up at the pump, I just say "it keeps the rif-raf off the road."

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Shinee Preston — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 21:20:22 GMT

Like it or not American's are beginning to start car-pooling..A group of people who work 10 to 15 miles away from work..some are droped off at the same location. Most of the people around here have eliminated filling two cars up with gasolene. A pool
wagon comes by to pick 20 t0 25 people drop them off at their place of business. They return home with agroup of neighbors with whom they work with, or the same pool wagon can pick them up and return them home
for about $4.00 round -trip. By spending about $25.00 dollars in gasolene for the pool wagon. 25 less cars are fueling up paying $20.00 a week as oppose
to paying $45.00 in gasolene a week. Big -wigs oil
greeds will eventually find themselves selling less and less of their big high priced gasolene.
More and more career workers who work at the same place are making arrangements to ride along with neighbors who car pool. They are finding lots of money can be saved each week, and they buy less and less fuel. Another plus is it cuts down on milages
you put on your expensive warranties. I have not bought any gasolene in two weeks, because of car pooling where I need to go. If the American people
can do what we have done in the past to bring down prices. We all would be much better off. Stop filling the Big-Wigs who are getting rich off fuel prices. It is not a shortage it is a greed problem we face today with oil prices. They have ordered to cap a lot of fuel sources, untill they bring in extra bucks to their wallets. The American people is not that foolish to believe we have a fuel shortage. We do have the knowledge that the top oil distributors are asking for more and more money to be placed in their wallets off the American people. Lets face it we live in a antiAmerican governmental leadership. All globalist who want more and more money. The problem is greed.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

John, Flemington NJ — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 21:24:45 GMT

I recently visited Germany, and paid approximately $8.25 per gallon (after doing the math for the conversions). Perhaps if prices were this high in the US, more people would drive fuel efficient cars, and we could reduce our dependence on foreign oil; something that has been talked about for 35 years, with no reduction in imports. I did see a lot of small cars on the roads there, including many of the tiny "Smart" model.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Edward A. Best Ukraine — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 21:32:03 GMT

How about $10.00 loaf of bread,or $20.00 a pound Meat. It's all linked togeather!

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Robin Lings, Valencia, Spain. — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 21:55:33 GMT

Fuel prices are getting out of hand in most European countries and it has more to do with government tax than the actual price of a barrel of oil. Problem is, I don't see governments ploughing the money they make from fuel tax back into motoring technology or to help the motorcar manufacturers with their developement costs. So where is the real incentive to develope environmentally safe cars going to come from because car owners know they will only get hammered again when they become the norm. so will be reluctant to pay more in either new car costs or fuel costs.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Henry Gibson, Portland, OR — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 21:59:27 GMT

During WWII germany made much of its gasoline from its own coal, but now they could by some from the US to do it because the US government is not smart enough to do it instead of ethanol. Methanol can be made easily from coal, natural gas, waste wood or any organic material even sewage sludge, and the costs would have to be less than 8 dollars a gallon. Coal is at least 10 times cheaper than crude oil per unit energy, and even if half of that were lost in the conversion it would be worth the conversion including all capital costs. In WWII VW military cars were built to run on charcoal; many others could too, but then you could not buy gasoline at any price, and people are willing to pay for the convenience of expensive gasoline. The US and European govenments should be forced to pay for coal to gasoline conversion factories or take action against the oil monopolies; France has nuclear energy and plug in hybrid electric cars can take care of most of the transportation needs most people. TH!NK electric vehicles are now being sold by the thousands, and the ZEBRA batteries used in them have equal or better performance than most existing or proposed L-Ion batteries and were once made in Germany, but fortunately are still being made in Switzerland. They were tested in Germany for several years until California gave up on its ZEV mandate, but are still used in buses. These batteries in mass production will cost much less to make. One third of their weight is pure table salt. Expensive nickel is a small fraction of the rest. MES-DEA sells a few ZEBRA cars in Switzerland and Italy....hg...

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Mike McClintock, Somewhere in, Kansas — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 22:25:15 GMT

We Americans get pretty spoiled when it comes to driving. I admit a 20 mile commute to work may be big in Germany, but not so much this side of the pond. Unfortunately many Americans have taken it upon themselves to buy the biggest, nastiest, gas-guzzling monstrosities credit can buy. I cannot help but laugh when I hear of someone driving a 12 mile per gallon beast moaning about the "high" gasoline prices. The hilarious part of it one of the reason prices are higher is the fact they have been guzzling up all the gas in the first place. With tight margins along the entire chain of petroleum on top of peak demand, well it doesn't take a wizard to do the math.

I believe it is time for everyone to wake up and realize that the current gas prices are going to be the new LOW prices in the future. Prices rarely come down, they usually inflate with the rest of the world's currencies. Three dollars a gallon is the new low, and how high it will go will remain to be seen. I predict five dollars a gallon will be the new norm here pretty soon. It's not pessimism, just modern economics.

What we the consumers of consumables can do is DEMAND and PURCHASE modern technological products that are as energy efficient as possible. Right now a non-hybrid Honda Civic with an automatic transmission literally gets 40 miles per gallon on the highway with efficient driving practices. That's a standard gasoline motor (E85 ready) paired with an advanced transmission nearly doubling the efficiency standards set for by the Unites States, right off the lot. If you start looking into hybrid and ultra-modern diesel technologies, fuel efficiencies for cars could soon double the 40 mile per gallon par. The less gasoline everyone consumes, the more leftover to pad the market demand. As I see it, every gas guzzler I see is burning off perfectly good gas that the rest of could be using efficiently.

The buddy-buddy relationship between American auto companies and big oil has to end. I cannot see any (logical) reason why American auto would stay friendly to big oil since big oil essentially put American auto out of business. Big oil knew full well they were going to rake the world over the coals on gas prices, all the while patting American auto on the back for making bigger, Bigger, BIGGER autos with NO attention paid to fuel economy. Big oil basically set up American auto and let it burn to the ground all in the name of good 'ol American greenbacks. We can thank many a CEO an their frat buddies scratching each others backs, laughing all the way to the bank.

But we, the people, in the end decide what we want and how things should be. If we don't want something, we do not buy it leaving the corporations scrambling to figure out what we will spend our hard earned money on. We vote politicians in and out of office. We tell them the what's what. It's up to US to decide that we have had enough and want to join the 21st century and get away from fossil fuels. Buy a Honda. Buy a Ford Focus. Buy a Toyota truck. Buy a hybrid. Buy a natural gas car, or an electric, or an ultra-modern bio diesel. Things will not change until we all make change happen. It's time for the go-go consume-it-all-to-hell-with-the-rest baby boomer and Gen-X mentality to be flushed down the toilet with so many other excessive consumption mentalities.

Not just America, everyone across the globe can participate. It's time we said goodbye to the 20th century and move on to a world that is rightfully ours. It's time we shook things up a little! :)

Mike
Kansas

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Rob, Phoenix, AZ — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 23:29:54 GMT

It is good to remember that the $8.60 is so high because of the poor EURO to USD conversion. This exchange rate does not affect the Europeans. It just looks more expensive to us.

Also, one of the reasons Hybrid cars are not as popular in Europe as they are in the US is because on average, European cars are far more fuel efficient (and often smaller) than the cars we see on the roads in the US.

Europeans also walk a lot more in their daily life than people in most US cities.

There is a large movement in Europe to produce, sell and drive cars with lower emissions. Germany is not a forerunner at this and the Autobahns might be to blame.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Tammy, Snohomish, WA — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 23:39:27 GMT

We just returned from a trip to England - the fuel over there was 1.07 pounds per liter - at 4 liters a gallon, that was 4.28 pounds - or, after translation, over 9 US dollars a gallon! Yikes! Good thing they have great transportation in London!

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

frederick D Williams, Golden Valley, AZ — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 23:59:03 GMT

The price of oil is disgusting. Why doesn't president Bush, under the War Powers Act shut down the futures trading , which is what is driving up the price of oil?

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Jo Thiel — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 00:14:15 GMT

We live 50 miles east of St. Louis, Mo and diesel gas today is $3.99.9, regular gas is $3.39.9 so it won't be long before regular gas is $4.00 per gallon, probably by June.
American's are too busy watching American Idol, playing with their video games and talking on their cell phones to pay attention. Millions of Americans are over the limit on their credit cards. Parents think they have to buy EVERYTHING for the kids. Millions of able people are on public aide, food stamps, free education. Others work two jobs just to get by. People don't get married anymore because it is cheaper to just live together and have kids so the mother can collect government aide, food stamps, medicaid, free education, etc. The gravy train needs to be over. We have given illegals aliens free-be's for so long, they get mad and want to sue us if they don't get what they want. Drugs are the norm and the drug dealers are millionares living right next door to you. Where will it stop? It won't. We are going to have a Depression like the 1929-30's. The ball has already started rolling and no one can stop it. Tighten you seat belts, it's going to be a bumpy ride!

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

David Forgione, Prudenville, Michigan — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 00:15:08 GMT

please go to - www.teslamotors.com

this electric vehicle technology has been available for 4 years - why are we not using this technology as a nation? - why are you not writing a story about Tesla Motors? - why won't your submit button work?

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Sam Cox, Philadelphia, Pa. — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 00:25:40 GMT

The US is going broke shipping hundreds of billions of dollars overseas each year to buy foreign oil. We need an "at the pump" (not on bulk purposes for public transportation) minimum $3 per gallon federal tax on gasoline coupled with a substantial reduction and simplification of the federal income tax. This will keep our money at home...provide funds to improve social programs, balance the budget and reduce the national debt.

Until the US acts on this matter, volatility of the stock market and the free fall of the value of the American dollar will continue.

If people don't like action like that they can buy a car which gets 30 miles per gallon instead of 15- and pay the same amount for gas each month while keeping their existing driving habits. Other adjustments by the consumer are possible too- such as driving less.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Sittingmoose,Shaman,Corfu(Ouageh),NewYork:USA — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 00:27:43 GMT

There is definitely more to this 'Fuel Crisis'than
meets the eye...... .
With the Worlds'petroleum supplies presently at'Glut'
level.New, massive oil fields in areas of accessability having been recently discovered. Adding with this, the
incredible shale-oil and sand-oil fields of near contnental
size ,located in Siberia(producing since the late 80s)
Plus Americas vast holdings.Newly employed methods of
petroleum recovery(methods that mimic the technology employed to cut the "Chunnel"between England and Mainland Europe)and the unbelieveable shale/sand oil
fields in Canada,ie.the present colossal recovery occurring in Alberta.
Perhaps the Petrol Industry has enough investors to satisfy......thus making Gasoline Sales their newest
'in-house' source of venture capital.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

frederick D Williams, Golden Valley, AZ — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 00:34:20 GMT

The price of gas is disgustijng. Why doesn't President Bush, under the War Powers Act, close down the trading on futures and brokering of oil, which is what is driving up it's price.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Gene Letter — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 00:45:04 GMT

IN FLORIDA USA THE FUEL PRICES ARE RISING AND THE ROADS ARE GETTING LESS TRAFFIC BECAUSE OF THE FUEL COSTS WHICH MEANS US WORKING PEOPLE CAN GET TO OUR JOBS QUICKER WITHOUT OLD RUBBERNECKING OLD GOATS ON RETIREMENT DRIVING AROUN IN CIRCLES HINDERING PROGRESS.
AT THE AGE OF 72 AND RUNNING 5 OFFICES LOCATED 45 MILES APART CAN ATTEST TO THE RELIEF THAT A FEW BUCKS MORE IN GAS CAN DO TO PEOPLE THAT BURN UP THE ROADS FOR NOTHING.

I BUY USA GAS ONLY, TO KEEP THE $ HERE.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

JOHN MONROE — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 00:52:42 GMT

I WILL MODIFY MY TRUCK INTO AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE WITHIN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS, SO YOU CAN TAKE YOUR GAS AND CRAM IT WHERE TO SUN DON'T SHINE !

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Osamah Shaheen, Paisley, Scotland, UK — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 00:53:08 GMT

I am unsure who I should sympathise with most, the US consumer in shock over teh thundering price rises over the past years or so, our German friends who are feeling the pain or us in Britain who are pretty much aware that maybe as much as approximately 85% of the price of our £1.10 or almost $2.26 per litre is raw tax. I see that as simple legalised extortion.

And this from a government that decides its own pay rises, gives itself benefits and then tells us the common folk to cut back and accept living under pressure.

The fact that big cars are legal, and the latest budget has hiked a showroom premium tax of around £750 - £950 per car just goes to show that it is all about reeling in the cash. Anyone who can spend £35,000 upwards on a car will probably just wince if, at all at the added tax, pay it and drive off with the car. As for the disuasion factor, the government doesn't really want to do that, they don't want to upset the motor industry or the affiliated industries, nor do they really want to stop the taxation income, if they did they would have given support to those driving small, economical or optimised usaage cars.... the station wagon (estate car to us Brits...), and people carriers, (you know for, 'families' etc. But it is my understanding that they too will be punished.

High petrol prices are also being driven up by speculators, peolpe who are simly betting but never have to actually pay the full price or receive the oil that they bid on.

I wonder what the effect on the price of oil would be if speculators had to pay in full as with the stock exchange transactions post black wednesday, instead of simply having to cover the margin.

As for the price of petrol, I don't think that there is not much that joe average can do about it, but maybe, just maybe, we will bite back at governments and make them hold to their word or be instantly thrwon out of power... now that might get their attention.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Scott brown — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 01:02:01 GMT

The oil companys are digging there on grave with spiking the oil up like thay have the past three years.Thay better make it while thay can because fuel is high enough to make many people start working on and coming out with cars that use little or no gas. Its just around the corner.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

jeff berkey marlton nj — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 01:02:50 GMT

The USA is now ready for "Essential Monday." No cars on the road unless essential, vital or crucial. Monday is a slow day for business and a four day week is what our planet needs today!

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Gabe Moreno Sr, Lebanon, NJ — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 01:09:55 GMT

Are the oil companies paying you to write this, thus creating the ground for their continuous abuse?

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Nils — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 01:21:17 GMT

some statements in this text are simply wrong: not obly consumer attitude changed notable since prices increased, but particularly the way the avg car driver acts: they drive less! the so-far measured increase in billion km (synonym for miles in the metric system) is much lower since so called 'environmental-incentives' for fuel have been introduced by the democratic-green government in 1999. Interestingly, these issues are not even mentioned in teh text: poor journalism, I'd say;

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Bert — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 10:15:18 GMT

In the Netherlands its Euro 1.60/ltr
thats $14 per US gallon

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Richard Lawson, Jr. Bronx, N.Y. — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 10:25:09 GMT

Gas compans are ripping us off if we stop buying gas for one month we could lower the gas prices.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Lynzee, Chesterfield, VA — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 10:34:07 GMT

Ummmm....I personally couldn't read past "The survey also showed that European drivers so far have not significantly changed their driving behavior in response to climate change concerns." because not everyone has the choice between driving and something else. For me, where I live (USA) carpooling isn't an option for me and I would have to drive 30 miles to get to a bus stop, and then it still wouldn't take me where I might need to go. I hate, with more than a passion people who suggest 'driving less' as though that's so easy for so many people. Even if I rode a bicycle to work and to grocery shop, I would have to ride the bicycle on roads where my life would be endangered from the cars traveling the road, and if carrying groceries, make 3 three mile trips. How about we figure out something that benefits others than those that can afford a BMW or a brand new car???

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

David Pointon, Stuttgart, Germany — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 10:45:26 GMT

Andy,

Unfortunately, what you omit is the real factor behind the "relative" high cost of gas here in Germany, the horrendous exchange rate to the US dollar. For those of us who are paid in US dollars, a fill up can well exceed $100.

dwp

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

bill — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 10:57:58 GMT

Looks like they are trying to soften us up for the higher prices we have to pay at the pump! Close to 50% of the oil used in this country is produced right here in America. Add into that the purchases from Mexico and other SA countries and Canada and we are left with only a small percentage coming from the middle east. Some of these well here in America have been producing since oil was less than 20 bucks a barrel. So the president and his secrective Vp have led the way to higher and higher oil prices and the world economy is at risk because of it. The middle class is evaporating and the poor well they are now destitute because higher gas prices mean everything from food to other essentials have to go up. SAD

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

April Barton, Rosedale, VA — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 11:00:37 GMT

The rising gas prices have been annoying me for a while now. I remember when we used to think that $1.14 was high, but now, i'd give anything to see that price again. As a stay at home mom of two, it's hard to even make a trip to the grocery store. I think gas prices are way too high considering the pay rate of most jobs in my area. My husband travels 20 miles one way to his job and has to put gas in every day because we can't afford to fill up all at once. If gas ever became $8 a gallon in america, especially where i live, i would become a very avid walker. I would refuse to pay such ridiculous prices.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Ray McDowell — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 11:10:42 GMT

Discussions of fuel prices while interesting, almost inevitably include some fairy tale comparison of European and American gasoline prices. Stating that Germany pays $8 a gallon is a total misrepresentation of fact. Why? The reason is that Europeans refine their gasoline to a minimum of 95 octane and as high as 100 in some places. Gasoline of this quality is commonly referred to as "racing fuel" in America. At most tracks around America gasoline with octane ratings nearing or eclipsing 100 usually cost more than $7 dollars per gallon. This makes the above headline seem much less relevant to any conversation regarding fuel prices. Add to this Germany's socialist tax system and the likelihood (I can't say exactly what the taxes are) that they pay a big percentage straight to the government and $8 seems pretty much the same as what we pay for an equivalent product. Trying to compare the price of a high quality product in a socialist economic system to a low grade product in a less socialist (not really capitalist longer) economic system and claiming that they are the same is nothing more than dishonest.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

J. Rittel, Helena, Montana — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 11:11:46 GMT

So called alternative fuels are a "crock", most all of these "green technologies" require more energy and are more costly to produce than what is recieved in the end. We need to separate politics from real science. Hydrogen is not a fuel source...at least on this planet. Food crops should be used for food, not fuel. Dream on....

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

thomas mutch wigan england — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 11:15:42 GMT

we have had high price gas in uk for years now it's about $8.50per gallon(tax on gas about 70%) but seniors can travel free on public transport, between 9.30am till 4.30pm,anywhere in the uk

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Joe Durant, Las Vegas, NV — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 11:28:21 GMT

I would like to see one oil company put out of business in protest to the huge profits they are making. I would like to see everyone purchase gas from anyone except SHELL. SHELL has an attitude that they can charge what they want and they always have the highest gas prices.

Don't by SHELL gas and lets shows the gas companies that we can and do vote with our dollar.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Susan DeClario Peru, NY — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 12:53:03 GMT

it is time for a Boston Tea Party once again. Unite!

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Bob L. Colorado — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 12:54:46 GMT

8 bucks a gallon.... i'll build a still and what i dont burn in the tank i'll drown in my sorrows over what the world has come to.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Sabine Storsberg, Tega Cay, SC — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 13:00:35 GMT

I have just returned from Germany and the price in my hometown was Euro 1.44 for regular/unleaded. I found the train tickets did go up as have the bus fares. On the news there was talk about requirements to make the train engines more efficient and I was told that there are cities that are already testing sticker reqirements on cars depicting what kind of emmissions your car has. If you have a high emmissions sticker you may not be allowed to drive in the inner city.
Most certainly I will keep gas milage and emmissions in mind when I look for my next car.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Fred Miller, Pittsburgh, Pa — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 13:17:04 GMT

Clown Bush is a disgrace to the American public. Score another idiotic presendential move by this ridiculous administration! This clown should be impeached and given to the Iraqi people for due punishment!

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Bklyn Ron — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 13:17:06 GMT

So-who is to blame Dummies? We have tremendous reserves of fuel in the ground in Alaska,likewise just off shore of Florida (where the Cubans and Chinesse are drilling),we have not built a refinery or a nuclear power plant in more than 20 years;and our super corrupt Congressmen and women are being driven around in big gas guzzler limos at taxpayer expense (to say nothing of the jet planes and helicopters they utilize).If you keep sending the same corrupt Congress back every four years,shut your stupid mouths and just pay up.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Charles Brewer, Orlando, Florida — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 13:35:07 GMT

Gas prices are going to get even higher in the coming years because the total level of production of many of the world's largest oil fields will continue to decline while global demand is rising. The smart thing for governments to do would be to take tax revenues from the sale of gasoline (all governments tax gasoline) and use those funds to increase public transportation infastructures in small towns and metro areas.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

don austin tahlequah,ok — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 13:39:31 GMT

THE PRICE OF GAS WILL NEVER GO DOWN,UNTIL WE START CHARGING 1 BUSHLE WKEAT FOR 1 BARREL OF OIL!! FAR OUT? NOT SO. WHEN FARMERS CAN NOT PLANT BECAUSE OF GAS, NO GAS-- NO FOOD!!!

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Randy Saworski Pasco Wa. — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 13:48:39 GMT

Until the public wakes up and smells the roses we are going to be paying outragious prices for gas. no one seems to have a problem with the quarterly reports of billion dollar profits by the oil companies, or the obvious disregard of the american government. The oil companies have the public right where they want them, stuck on gas like a drug addict. the more we use the more they are going to let us pay. Where did the 100 mile per gallon engines go from the 70's or 60's that where suddenly wisked away. notice the governments havn't asked this question. There are too many publicly elected officials getting money from big oil to say anything about the price of gas! wake up and smell the roses! you might find it smells like sweet crude!

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Fran Ono, Kansai, JP — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 13:49:06 GMT

Gas prices in Japan @ avg 159 yen per litre for regular. "Word" in the news is April prices will go down for a while. I would assume due to upcoming holidays in April & Mays "Golden Week"

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Tony — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 15:27:38 GMT

Yeah but Germans don't drive like we do. They have a great train system, ultra modern buses, streetcars and a country wide bike system out of this world. The Germans for the most part live very close to where they work and their largest cars look like our subcompacts.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

DAVE-O — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 15:30:53 GMT

I THINK NATURAL GAS CARS IS THE WAY TO GO TROUBLE IS
HOW DO WE DO IT.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

A R Khan — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 15:39:37 GMT

Let's see College is free, No rent and by the way no medical bills.
$ 8 a gallon gas I still think is bargan.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Andy Platz, Medina, OH — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 15:45:27 GMT

Fuel prices here don't bother me, though I am concerned. Getting 32 MPG avg. & 39 MPG highway helps. Motorsports enthusiasis are paying upwards of $8. per gallon for race fuel here, and getting a lot of "smiles per gallon". Spend it where you want to, I guess.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

CarlosX — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 15:54:56 GMT

I love German cars; my favorite is the Smart Car made by Mercedes. It gets 40mpg and looks sporty. The future is small cars that get 200mpg.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

CarlosX — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 15:55:22 GMT

I love German cars; my favorite is the Smart Car made by Mercedes. It gets 40mpg and looks sporty. The future is small cars that get 200mpg.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

phil holder Lander, Wyoming — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 15:57:05 GMT

A nation/worldwide boycott of Exxon/Mobile would help bring prices back to an acceptable range.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

John Graff — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 16:03:59 GMT

Eight dollars a gallon may be too cheap. Western governments (esp. the USA) should dramatically increase taxes on foreign gas to force consumers to conserve (would walking/biking/carpooling more hurt us that much). Higher taxes would also put pressure on OPEC to increase output/lower prices. Revenues raised could be used to explore/develop alternatives to fossil fuels and the car culture (e.g. wind/solar/tidal energy, build bikeways, enhance public transit, etc.) Seems like a "no-brainer." We must stop transferring so much of our hard-earned wealth to hostile countries (many of which sponsor/support terrorism). I'd rather pay a tax and see it return to me than pay ever increasing prices to OPEC.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Rusty C, Alpharetta, GA — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 16:26:44 GMT

Gad. People driving across town because a gas station is cheaper or thinking the bus is expensive when gas is $8/gallon. What's next, sitting in 9-deep car lines at the fast-food drive-thru for 20 minutes rather than going in and being served right away? Some individuals in Europe may be no smarter than Americans, but it looks like the governments at least are. Having mandates and getting alternative types of gas pumps out there quickly are key pieces of the puzzle. In the long term the ONLY way will be to settle on something that runs on a fuel other than gas, as global demand will swamp any increase in oil production.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

I Hate Bush — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 16:28:58 GMT

Thank you President Bush for destroying the world economy !!!!!!! You are the worse !!!!

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Jim nisula,MI. USA — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 16:39:04 GMT

when I read this ,$8.60 per.Gal. gas..thats high ,but you should also post the average wage for there..to make it revelent.....

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Gabriel Furdui — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 16:45:00 GMT

You forgot to mention that gas prices have always been a lot higher across Europe and that they have alternative transportation almost everywhere unlike the US. So, I do not think your comaparison is a good one. This is somebody that has was borned and raised in Europe.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

H J Bowcott — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 16:55:58 GMT

We're currently paying $1.29.9 per litre here in
Vernon, BC. That's $4.80 (US) gallon or $5.84 for
an Imperial gallon. You who are paying $3.35 (US)
should thank your lucky stars.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Frank, Bellindham, WA — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 17:00:44 GMT

High gas prices in Germany and Europe are not as damaging to population as it is in the USA. Europeans drive shorter distances due to very small country sizes as compared to Americans and there is far better public transport system all over Europe. In the USA public transport is nearly non existent, therefore, nearly everyone must have a car to get enywhere.
For this reason $4 gas per gallon in USA is more of a burden in here than $9 gas price in Europe. Of course the high price of gas in Europe is mostly caused by high government taxes and other extortion elements that Europeans allow to be placed upon their shoulders.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Bob — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 17:05:34 GMT

Yes but don't they have free medical and maybe other cost savings payed for by the government?

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

ppp, portland or — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 17:07:49 GMT

Quit crying! Compared with the rest of the world, Americans had it good for a long time. Sure it hurts now but maybe this gas price rise is a good thing in the long term. Maybe now alternative energy research will actually be well funded and alt energy tax breaks will become permenant.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

C. Cain, Wiggins, MS — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 17:10:38 GMT

At your stated price of $2.29 per liter that converts to $8.70 per gallon. The German motor fuel tax is $3.64 per gallon compared with my state's tax rate of $0.18 per gallon and the German sales tax per gallon is $1.39 per gallon compared with my state's sales tax at $0.24 per gallon at the current pump price of $3.59 per gallon. So, Germans are actually paying only 2 cents more per gallon than the station around the corner from my house is charging while the rest is all attributed to taxes. Germans are big on user taxes which are more fair than the American tax system where someone who rides a wheelchair to work has his labor taxed with some of that income tax diverted to help maintain America's system of roads and bridges. That fact constitutes a real story worthy of publishing, richtig?

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Kant, Los Angeles, CA — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 17:27:07 GMT

Though the price of gas is around $4 a gallon here in the United States, we still have the cheapest price.

We should be happy about getting gas in gallons and not in liters. (A gallon is 3.8 liters)

This is one good thing of the US not adopting Metric system!!!

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Aged1, Norristown, PA — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 17:37:56 GMT

The infernal combustion engine has bee around for over 100 years and has proved to be prime impetus for human development. That said, chips have replaced crystal radios within electronics development. Is it not time for a quantum leap in power sources? We as a people must somehow get around the economic power of corporate profits and resistence to utilize every source imaginable to develope a non destructive means of real power and locomotion. After all, most everything else science fiction has written about has or is in process of fruition

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Joen Doe. boston — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 17:45:52 GMT

You can't compare Europes gas prices too our gas prices. Its like apples and oranges. first of all people in Europe they don't need cars for their daily life. Secondly most of Europe has an excellnet public trasportation. thirdly they drive small cars which get 50 plus miles per gallon compare to our 25 miles per gallon. So its easy to say they are paying $8.25 for gallon verus our $4.00 gallon..i think its affecting us more than anybody else in the world. We don't have a good/efficent public trasportation system or good EPA who works for the people. ccomapnies

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Kayla Young,spartanburg,south carolina — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 17:52:09 GMT

Gas here in my part of south carolina is $ 3.05, I have come to where I only put enough for the driving i'm going to be doing, or if I make more one day then I'll feel it up. $20 dollar's used to put me over half a tank, as where $10 put me on half a tank. I hate to see what it will be like this summer.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Walter Luft, Cape Coral, FL — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 17:58:30 GMT

I live in Florida. In my Humble opinion clean burning Diesel should not only the future in Europe but also in the USA. It takes years to compensate the higher cost of a Hybrid for the savings in gasoline.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Mel B. UK — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 18:00:25 GMT

More of the same in the UK. German prices are cheap compared to what the long suffering UK motorist pays. £1.18 a litre is common thats $2.34 a litre and still rising! Public transport here outside of London often is expensive and not very good.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Hector L — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 20:05:17 GMT

Bush couldn't care less about high prices! When was the last he actually pumped gas that was paid WITH HIS OWN money! Just another politician that doesn't care about the working-class while his MILLIONAIRE buddies are lighting their cigars with hundred dollar bills!

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Marty Schoen, Buckeye, AZ — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 20:06:04 GMT

While the article about gas prices in Germany was well written, one has to look at all factors, and this comparison is misleading. For a multitude of reasons, unlike Germany and many other Countries, the U.S. has not paid attention to maintaining or developing a realistic mass transportation system, and with the present economy, it can not afford to make up for wasted time. But, the primary issue about the article, and the comparison is that this is not Germany, or any other Country, it is the U.S., and for the majority of people, using a car is their ONLY transportation. So, Countries like Germany, Great Britain, are not spread out, and, either due to decades of planning, or necessity, are able to use other means of transportation, which we do not. Therefore, any comparison is unrealistic and inappropriate. The U.S. is geared for certain life style, good or bad, it can not be changed overnight, and to compare gas prices, under the circumstances, is very tiring to hear, and is meaningless to the common person.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

KODIAK, PHX, AZ — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 20:06:24 GMT

Seems to me that the whiners should be calling the 800 line 1-800-WAH! It ain't just El Presidente Jorge Bush, ya know, our country has a "check & balance" system - Congress and the Senate, that apparently, along with our President, have let us down since 1973, when gas took off from around fifteen cents (0.15) a gallon.
Yup, I remember those days. Oh, the politicians said we must cut our dependence on foreign oil. Hmmmmm, ain't happend in 35 years yet. So, don't blame just one politician, or one president, or one party, they all STINK!
By the way, WE THE PEOPLE carry just as much blame. Who did WE THE PEOPLE vote in and NOT hold their feet to the fire? Way too many of us DO NOT VOTE, way too many of us DO NOT GET INVOLVED, way too many of us just MOAN AND GROAN.
Some of us are burnt out, though. I've done my "tour of duty" by voting, writing letters, calling politicians, doing the protest march things, but "we who will make the sacrifice" are obviously quite the minority. The majority of ya who want, AND LET, the government take care of ya from the womb to the tomb are getting what you deserve.
Me, in Arizona I've cut my hiway speed from 80-85mph down to 55 - 60mph, leave an extra half hour for work, brown bag it, buy store brand food, and we eat at home now. I will still vote, but mostly for the least evil politician, no matter what party they belong to.
Remember, the politicians are public SERVANTS and are supposed to answer to the citizens. WE THE PEOPLE have allowed ourselves to answer to the pompass, arrogant politicians, and the politicians now feel that they know what's best for us, that WE THE PEOPLE are stupid and not capable of doing the right thing. They have successfully divided us by fomenting racial, class, and religious suspicion among us. United we stand, divided we fall, and baby, we are tumbling down fast.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

John Bonomi Kingston Ma — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 20:08:50 GMT

Everything considered we would be better off paying higher prices on gas as a tax and getting free health care with a single payer system . consider this.. it costs a trailer truck owner $29 plus per hour to run his truck just for fuel at $4 per gal and around 70 gal per day and all other prices shouldn't go up HAAAA!

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

John W. Annapolis, Md — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 20:14:45 GMT

Next time we elect an oil man into the White House, I'm buying stock in Exxon.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Gene Daniel ,Petersburg VA. — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 20:25:42 GMT

I see everyone is blaming our gas problems on Bush. Look into what Congress is not doing to solve the problem. This is where the real problem is. Send your email to Pelosi and your other Democratic reps. They don't have to pay pump gas prices. (Their transportation is provided by US and I mean by our taxes)When are we going to learn that the "guys and gals" in Washington don't give a d..... about our problems. None of the oil company lobbyest are beating their door down. They are too busy raking in million dollar bonuses. WISE UP AMERICA. This problem can be solved by using our on oil and not importing it from our "friends"

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

E Allen Upstate NY — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 20:34:39 GMT

FYI TAXES -- Jack in Nevada and C. Cain. In my state (which is high) actual gasoline taxes are 62.4 cents per gallon. Diesel is a bit more, about 14 cents. Everyone can do the math for the remainder. One thing I can assure you, it"s not the retailer making anything more then what they need to support there business. I know --- I am one and the higher prices are hurting us all.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Cameron McCraw, Granby, Canada — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 20:36:33 GMT

Gas prices are bad?!!! I pay $5.00 plus a gallon up here in Canada. Guess what heatng oil costs... $4.80 last week. When summer rolls in we're going bi-energy: households with this type of heating in my area pay $1000/yr while I pay $2400.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

JOSH TIFFANY — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 20:38:47 GMT

Yes, those wacky Europeans get all the free goodies as a result of the high gas taxes they pay...just look a how good their teeth are...NOT!

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Holly, Phoenix, AZ — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 20:46:07 GMT

The wage may be higher in Germany but to those people who think the medical there is "free" - try living and working there where you give half of your pay check every week to get that "free" medical and then put those gas prices into perspective then! Your "free" college fund is the same - you get a percentage taken out of your weekly pay and put into a fund for this. With all that is being taken out of the weekly paycheck for these "free" services the Germans do not have it easy and nothing is for free! The gas prices there are as outrageous as ours and are a salt in the wound to many who live and work there! Please do your research on how the German paychecks are spread about before they get their cut before you go mouthing off about how good they have it. As for people in America paying their own health insurance - thanks for the kick in the butt to those of us on social secuirty who can chose between eating cat food and paying our insurance, living on the street or paying our insurance or simply dying in the street as we are on a set income and do not get "reviews" and raises the same as the working class does. We worked hard in our time and are being thanked by comments like that from some very idiotic people. when your time comes for this set income only I want to see how you think! Rising gas prices are the last thing we need with this staggering war debt, the housing slump and the unemployment rise. Vote correctly, get out there and vote and start DOING something to contribute instead of mouthing off and sitting on our duff watching it happen!

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Ross — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 20:54:56 GMT

Please explain how Bush is responsible for gas prices? He has tried a number of times to increase oil production, but the environmentalists block every effort. There are only two ways to cut prices. Either increase supply or reduce demand. Therefore, the only thing the government can do is increase taxes to reduce demand, but that would raise prices, or increase supply, which the dumbocrats won't allow. You really need to get a clue.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Summer, Florida — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 21:05:16 GMT

When comparing the difference in our gas prices versus prices in Europe, several people said that although Europe's gas costs more, in many countries they have free health care, etc. that as Americans we don't have. I would like to point out that although they may have many 'free' things, they have nothing that is better than what Americans have. FREEDOM. Freedom to live, work, and do what we want. Our government doesn't make those choices for us, we make them. I would rather be free than to get all of the free things that other nations appear to enjoy. Even in the midst of rising gas prices, there's still something to be thankful for.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Peter Conroy, Sydney, Australia — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 21:15:40 GMT

Those "futuristic" natural gas (as opposed to petrol) pumps that the author refers to have been in operation here in Australia for over 15 years. The problem is that no new cars are sold as n. gas engines and we have to pay about $1000 to have our cars converted, BUT after conversion its great as n. gas is about half the cost of our petrol (at 75cents per litre).

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Marv, Fl — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 21:16:53 GMT

Some people are talking about putting an import tax on foreign crude but a better solution would be to put a tax of about 50% or more on the profits the oil companies take out of this country. This in itself would give a break to US owned and based oil companies. Several people have said get a more fuel efficient car or ride a bicycle. Try that when you're 62 years old and have spinal problems and are on fixed income. If someone would trade me my Lincoln for a reasonable sized car with fuel efficiency come talk to me and I don't mean a car the size of a Geo Metro. With my back and joint problems it would literally be a real pain to get in and out of. Of course it's probably not politically correct but if we'd eliminate all the money we spend on illegal aliens we wouldn't have to deport them, they'd leave because they weren't getting the handouts a lot of them are relying on to live here now. That includes no spanish speaking teachers etc. The spanish speaking people are the only nationality that comes to this company and refuses to learn English. Everyone from the French, German, Russian, Chinese, and African languages come here and learn English. Does that mean the Spanish speaking ones are too dumb to learn our language or just too lazy.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Chris, AR — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 21:21:54 GMT

Our prices won't get that high until we have to start paying radical taxes to support hillarycare.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Dave Clement Mesa, AZ — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 21:23:22 GMT

Buy a Honda GX and fuel at home from your natural gas line with a FuelMaker for under $1.50 per gallon.
Or move to Utah- 64 cents per gallon at the public natural gas stations! 91 cents per gallon in Oklahoma.
Natural gas is a Clean American Fuel!
Used NGV's available at the Auction!

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Dave O, Reno, Nevada — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 21:24:11 GMT

I am starting a major boycott.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Joe McGhee, Edison, New Jersey — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 21:29:32 GMT

Coskata Corporation ( www.coskata.com ) has stated that they can produce ethanol from non-food biomass for LESS THAN $1.00 PER GALLON in their joint announcement with General Motors Corporation. When their output volume increases to the level of imported OPEC oil, we will have achieved energy independence and the US economy will be restored to its former vibrancy. When ethanol from biomass becomes the dominant supplier in the American fuels marketplace, the threat of declining lifestyle in America will be eliminated and we can once again look forward to rising aspirations for future generations of Americans. When America becomes an ethanol exporter to the world, our trade deficit will be eliminated.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Deirdre, Palmetto, FL — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 21:32:41 GMT

Call me selfish, but i had to get rid of my favorite vehicle ever because of poor fuel economy. It was one of the hardest things I have ever done. Another thing I won't compromise on is looks. All of those small cars look like rollerblades with lids. I like my car to have some style. Also, those small cars may have airbags and such, but they are insects when they are hit by a big truck. Give me some cushion between me and the 18 wheelers on the road.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Gosh Riverside, Calif — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 21:33:29 GMT

Since the euro is at 150 to the dollar and oil is bought in dollars The price is not that far off from what we pay. The weighted oil price adjusted to 1980 is nearly 1.03 a barrel I love the auto bahn cause in California we waste more gas than they use. Great time to listen to audio books or Larry Elder Gosh

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Gosh Riverside, Calif — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 21:47:26 GMT

I love exxon I bought it it at 30 and it's 80. If want to keep complaining about why not complain about the Clinton's wha started the variable interest rate craze to put everyone in a home. Or how about the failure of healthcare by Hillary in the 90's who put the money into the pockets of administrators at HMO's instead of good qualified doctors. People forget quickly about how the passed destroyed the transition when Bush took power. This country used to have the principal of my country right or wrong but as we have socialized our system and case in point with hospitals today who serve the illegal immigrants before the paying customer we to well go to the depths of germany which has 14 % unemployment. The world is at your hand if you learn to respect the rules of our governing forefathers. We are all Americans in the U S with descents of many countrys. Gosh

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Bicester, in Oxfordshire in UK — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 21:49:04 GMT

In the UK I pay a fraction over £5 for a gallon for gas, thats just over 10 Dollars (on todays exchange rate)- in the UK we all value and use our cars as much as you in the USA do, look at our car prices they too are almost double that of cars in the USA, Also the often quoted public transport is a myth if you live outside a City, dont forget our average UK house price ia 190,000 pounds, and a pound =2 dollars.
Our costs of living are generally far higher than in the USA thats why many drive cars that do 50mpg.
Maybe a feature to check cost of living USA to UK would let your viewers see a few examples.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

John jaska — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 22:22:34 GMT

We do not live in germany. We are in the great usa and to ingonore the market is insane. Supply and demand is where we are at. If you like Germany so much. Go live there. You will find the differneces fast.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

John — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 22:23:02 GMT

GW Bush and the Whitehouse administrators all share the same background. They're all from oil business.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

John Jaska — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 22:23:28 GMT

That is what I ecpected.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

A. Hines, Schweinfurt, Bavaria, Germany — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 22:41:17 GMT

As Americans stationed in Germany, we have watched the gas prices rise here, and the euro exchange rate. It cost us $130 dollars, (after computing the exchange rate) to fill up our mini-van, (with four children, the Smart Car is not an option). We can't wait to come home to the Land of Cheap Gas!

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

JOHN DOE, WOODSTOCK,MN. — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 22:51:52 GMT

YES WE HAVE HIGH GAS PRICES,BUT WE STILL HAVE A GREAT NATION WHICH WE LIVE IN,THE MOST IMPORTION THING TO DO IS TO PRAY TO OUR GOD ABOUT IT AND FOR HIM TO GUIDE THIS NATION IN HIS WAYS.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Jim S. Emery SD — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 23:02:19 GMT

I'm here in Florida for the winter and can't figure out why gas inches up($3.20) and diesel jumps every day ($4.01). Diesel is cheaper to make and winter is about over as far as heating oil needs go, so why the 80 cents difference? Go figure, speculators at it again!

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

JOHN DOE, WOODSTOCK,MN. — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 23:13:03 GMT

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Gary Nolte New Braunfels Tx — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 23:46:52 GMT

If you think our gas prices have no capped out price then think twice about everything else that will keep going up we are in a big mess think about it,the stock market controls our economy our president cant control a budget but spend $$ over seas, God please help us. Amen

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

A.S. ok — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 23:56:21 GMT

I think all this is ridiculous!! We want to blame the president ,but is he really the blame or are we the blame?? Really we" AMERICANS" always boast about the car we drive or the home we live in but do we really think there will be no conseqences!! To how we live or what we drive!! Think about it !!We are now starting to face the after affect to the prices we pay!! All for the greed and love of having more . We didn't hear you complaining then, but now the price is hitting to hard and you want to complain and put the blame on someone else all because you didn't take the time to stop and smell the roses. You all were to busy rushing to the finish line and now the finish line is costing a price you are not willing to pay!!

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

usa.wayne nj — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 23:58:10 GMT

oil co ..lol .. that is .. make money !!

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

kaylene middleofnowhere North Dakota — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 23:58:15 GMT

Gas will continue to rise until we run out...At the rate of consumption, that isn't far away..so no one has mentioned the use of horses!! I'd rather ride a horse than a bike any day..

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Granny, New Mexico — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 00:15:58 GMT

Mr B From Boston Mass You are my hero. You said it like it should be.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Mike, Middlefield, Ohio — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 00:22:42 GMT

Guess what? I don't give a rat's a** about what people are paying in other countries for their fuel. I care about what I am paying here in the U.S. I swear everytime gas prices reach new heights, some moron journalist likes to say "Hohoho, you should see what they are paying for gas in timbuktu" Shut up already, I don't care! Since we have dumped so much money into Iraq, let's go ahead and start sending some of their oil on over here since they have the world's second largest supply of proven oil reserves. It will make their country rich and it will help our decrepit economy thanks to cheap fuel. Isn't that what we went to war for anyways was the oil? Waaahhhhh!!!!

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Ron Bowers, Tucson, Arizona — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 00:25:29 GMT

Considering the taxes paid on the fuel in Germany and what we Americans pay, it is pretty equitable. Unfortunately, understanding this won't lowers the price we or they pay for fuel. If we can't some how offset the profit gained by the oil companies, we will always be on the losing end. I have no choice in paying the higher fuel prices because of the business I'm in and it is virtually impossible to pass it on to my clients because the booked with me before the rapid increase--which I can't recover without losing my source of income. It' a "no win" situation for me and I'm not silly enough to presume to have the answer. We need the help of our government ( the right government- not the one concerned with the lobbiests who control it.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

jerry gulick greenville mi — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 00:39:48 GMT

Instead of blaming Bush,the government,oil companies. Take a look in the mirror and a look in your garage. If you have a gas guzzeling vehicle in the garage, go back and blame the guy in the mirror! The technology is out there and WE consumers have to TAKE responsibility and DEMAND vehicle with 50-100MPG
Until we do exactly that nothing will ever change.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Paul C. - Indianapolis, IN — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 01:37:08 GMT

I do not want to see gas prices go up like the next guy, but I feel that it will cause a lot of Americans to become more realistic about fuel economy.
It took OPEC in the late 70's to cause the USA to create a fuel economy standard of 20 MPG, albeit with loopholes, for the first time. Now Congress is looking at 35 MPG, with fewer loopholes. It hurts today, but tomorrow we will be better off.
Hopefully it this will help us move towards better public transportation, less pollution, lower prices for energy, and "energy security" ( for those who are paranoid ). In the long run, we will be better off.
Do not get me wrong, I do not want to see our great nation go through these tough times. But, I do feel that we needed this kick in the pants to get us going in the direction that we should been going all along. I think the Europeans are better prepared for higher gas prices than we are, because they have been dealing with higher prices longer than we have.
I must admit that I do not like George W. Bush, at all, but we can not blame him for all of our problems. I am not saying that he made all the right the decisions or all the wrong ones. He may have more influence than most of do, but there is only 1 of him and 300 million of us, and we put him in office. We, the American people, need to look at what we as individuals can do to make things better instead of passing the buck.
Did you stop your car while waiting in the drive-thru window? Did you turn off the lights when you left the room? Did you turn off the TV and computer when you go to bed? Do you really need to hop in your car to go a 1/4 mile down the street?

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Robert , Lagrange , NY — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 02:42:05 GMT

If many of the opinions expressed here are a reflection of the overall population in the USA,we are doomed. The level of ignorance, misinformation and socialistic thinking is
scary and doesn't bode well for our future.
We are in this situation because the liberal tree huggers do not allow any form of energy sources be developed.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Lee, Houston, Tx — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 03:06:04 GMT

one positive result from the soaring gas prices is that it has forced more people to become aware of the need to live more conservativly...we must all do want we can to reduce our consumption...

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

B.D. — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 05:48:00 GMT

The reason for high taxes in most European countries are for FREE health care for every citizen and alternative transportation. Not sure if FREE health care would work in the U.S. because the money is in the MEDICATION, not the CURE! Alternative transportation could not work right now because the infrastructure is not in place in most U.S. areas, especially rural areas.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

mike_lee — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 06:30:23 GMT

In Japan they have incredible useful public transit, somehow they made it the place to be. It's hip. But on the other hand, with the exception of Tokyo Nagoya Osaka driving is cheaper then the trains. Most every trip is 500 yen (about 5 dollars) You hear much about the shinkansen train, what you don't hear is it cost around 100 dollars to ride it.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Sigma Pi Guy, Pikeville, Ky. — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 09:13:29 GMT

I dont see how one could say tax gas more, or raise the prices to conserve. You must look at the bigger picture--how would farmers, who feed the US and the world, be able to operate their machinery with higher prices?

Also, people talk about the war, and how it has ruined the economy. The war has cost roughly 500 billion dollars, yet America has a 9.3 trillion dollar deficit. Only 20% of the budget is spent on defense. Without the war, there would still be a huge amount of debt.

We must cut out deficit spending. The 600 dollar tax refund is nice individually, but killing our economy.

The GDP is going through the roof, and we are in a recession, no matter what the government says, something must be done, or the US is going to turn into a huge economic disaster, if it hasn't already.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

RK,Houston TEXAS — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 09:19:01 GMT

ITS $8.00 for us in USA ! There are No Price Hikes in Germany. Only that $Dollar fell in value. In 2004 it was a normal price in Europe roughly at 3.50 EUROS $ 7.25 USD. Europe is more than 100 years ahead than we are in everyday basic quality of life! ( Though there are still plenty NAZIs all over and the HEADQUARTERS in USA. Our GOVT is the real Killer and the real terrorist for its own Citizens

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

M. McBride, Munich Germany — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 10:57:11 GMT

I live, work & Drive in Europe. Based near Munich germany. Gas is very expensive here by design, much of the price of Gas here has to do with very high taxes not the actual cost of the Product. Then, of course, this money goes to improving roads & mass transit. In most european cities you have multiple & higly useful choices of safe and cheap public transportation. Oil is going out and the world is waiting for the innovations that will replace the old methods and mentalities.....what realb the price of oil includes wars like Iraq, senseless deaths on both sides, wasted trillions of dollars & greedy corporations (& governments) reaping the profits. Wake up and choose wisely the next course....

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Donna Batalia NYC — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 11:17:54 GMT

Let's see Bush and Chenney made all their Millions in oil, also Chenney made a killing off Haliburton ( of which he was the former CEO, before he took office as Emperor Bushes VP), which has the majority of the contracts in Iraq (and the contracts they received were all no bid/no competetion) kinda makes you think, doesn't it.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

ballabewry, sunshine state, florida — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 11:39:40 GMT

can everyone stop crying about bush the gas prices are our own faults this days of increasing prices had to been seen coming eventually but us americans cant think ahead until it becomes a reality. besides u guys voted for him and hurt our future.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Joe McGhee, Edison, New Jersey — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 11:45:02 GMT

Coskata Corporation ( www.coskata.com ), which is now in the process of building ethanol production facilities, has stated that they can produce ethanol from non-food biomass for LESS THAN $1.00 PER GALLON in their joint announcement with General Motors Corporation. When Coskata's ethanol output volume increases to the present volume of imported OPEC oil, we will have achieved energy independence and the US economy will be restored to its former vibrancy. When ethanol from biomass becomes the dominant supplier in the American fuels marketplace, the threat of declining lifestyle in America will be eliminated and we can once again look forward to rising aspirations for future generations of Americans. When America becomes an ethanol exporter to the world, our trade deficit will be eliminated.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Truck driver Ohio — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 13:16:58 GMT

Guess what all of you forgetting. Those big trucks that bring your everyday lifes so much comfort. Did any of you stop to think that semi trucks take fuel too. Everything you buy comes from a truck train or boat. Which take fuel. Thats what driving our everyday prices up. The cost of fuel to get it to you.
Diesel is the cheapest to make and now is the most expensive fuel to get. WHen your paying over 4.00 a gal. and your truck only gets 5 mpg. Guess what its going to cost you more to get what you want. I dont hear no one in our gov. trying to stop it either

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Richard Hertz, Trafford, PA — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 13:42:40 GMT

The evil GWB sure is powerful. He has done an amazing job of forcing people to purchase SUV's. He has also done an incredible job of restricting exploration of new drilling sites and the building of additional refineries. I also like the way he has prevented automakers from developing alternative energy vehicles despite the tax incentives. His biggest coup was to force ethanol on the public which has driven up the price of corn and all comodities that rely on corn. AlGore needs to get on his airplane and fix this mess.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Tiffany, Wisconsin — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 14:53:32 GMT

Has anybody considered the fact that it's not just Bush's policies or Germany's taxes that are making gas so expensive? What about world demand, expecially coming from developing nations? Car ownership in China is growing by leaps and bounds. Their expanding manufacturing industries are demanding more power. Production of oil may be up, but so is world demand. If China is willing to pay more for fuel, the rest of us will suffer the consequences.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

ggelissen Salem Oregon — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 16:02:42 GMT

We can send a man to the moon ,we can send a space probe to mars ,we can send a space station in orbit around the world.But we can not make a car that dus not have to use oil as primary fuel.But all the above endevors where made by rockets without oil as fuel.This government has deliberately sidestepped [in favor for them]to make this country independant from foreign oil and other influances.The oil barons from Texas including GWB would not allow this.Profits from oil is the most important cause not to make us independant from oil.thats why we are in Iraq to [protect our national interest]and you know what that is.If Iraq only grew oranges and had no oil we would not be there at all.To liberate the Iraq people is just a farse,if that was the case why are we not in Darfur Sudan were thousands and thousands people have died.woman raped,kids killed etc etc.Yes they do grow oranges in Sudan but they dont have oil and we are not there to defend theire interest.....WAKE UP AMERICA...

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Mike Martinez CA — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 16:08:56 GMT

The oil IS going to run out one day and those who are now holding the world by the short hairs will have no power. Those who plane ahead and look for a way to exist without reliance on oil will have the power and be able to survive.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Anthony, Colorado Springs, CO — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 16:30:20 GMT

We should have what they have in South Korea (subways and goverment rail) they are always packed there because the gas there too is high. Many people use the subways and rail systems there because they take you anywhere you want to go!!! We need to put more money into our rail and subway system. Not the highways!!

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

David Sterrett, Nashua, NH — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 17:29:48 GMT

I love German cars; my favorite is the Smart Car made by Mercedes. It gets 40mpg and looks sporty. The future is small cars that get 200mpg.
CarlosX (Sent Thursday, March 20, 2008 11:55 AM)

If you love the 40 MPG Smart Car, you'll love the 78 MPG DIESEL version of the Smart Car, which we aren't fortunate enough to be able to get in the USA.

I love German cars too. I currently drive a 2002 VW Golf TDI (diesel) and love getting 45-50 MPG while driving it like I stole it and regularly going 700 miles between fillups (around 15 gallons). Even with diesel at $4/gallon in the USA it's still cheaper per mile to operate compared to most gasoline alternatives. While there are some gasoline cars which can get similar MPGs, they aren't cars I want to drive, much less own. All future vehicle purchases of mine shall be DIESEL vehicles, like what much of Europe now drives.

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

David Sterett, Nashua, NH — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 18:10:04 GMT

The article fails to mention that over half of all cars on the road in Europe run on DIESEL instead of GASOLINE. Diesel-powered cars in European countries now make up around two thirds of all new car sales over there. For just about every make and model of gasoline car sold in the USA, there's a high-MPG DIESEL version of it sold in Europe. I'd love to be able to get the 70 MPG diesel verion of the Toyota Yaris. Unfortunately in the USA we have to settle for the (lower) 45 MPG gasoline version.

Europe gets to enjoy a wide selection of high MPG and high performance clean diesel cars which we in the USA aren't fortunate enough to be able to get. Funny how these cars always end up on my "most wanted" list! :-)

$8 for a gallon of gas?! In Germany, yes

Gary Jersey — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 19:38:38 GMT

When did the gas prices start rising? Remember the Mobil and Exxon deal that our goverment approved? Boycot Mobil and see gas prices drop where they were before the Mobil purchase of Exxon. I wonder who are the major stockholders of Mobil. Anyone?