Automobile Enthusiasts

Old Crank

(7,272 posts) Fri Mar 13, 2026, 07:35 AM Mar 13

Gas prices

Automobile users in the US are seeing gas price hikes. These are bothering the GOP since it was their boy who caused the rise in prices.
Krugman thinks that if Iran bottles up the Straight of Homan for an extended time period oil could easily go over $150 per barrel Even though the world is less dependent on oil.
This will hurt the US consumers more. Why?
New US car fleet (Including pickups and SUV) average 27.2 mpg. The entire base is getting 22 mpg.

The European average for all non totally electric is 42 mpg equivalent.

We could have been there. Instead this administration is scrapping the standards and the CA standards.

10 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

Gas prices (Original Post) Old Crank Mar 13 OP

I don't get out much, but 50 mpg on my old Hondas is great! SheltieLover Mar 13 #1

That is pretty good Old Crank Mar 13 #5

Lucky you! SheltieLover Mar 13 #7

Gas taxes in Europe are a few dollars per gallon higher than ours MichMan Mar 13 #2

We were on holiday in France Old Crank Mar 13 #6

That is equivalent to $6.50 Euros or $7.41 USD per gallon MichMan Mar 13 #8

Yes. Old Crank Mar 13 #10

And despite the record release of gas supplies, they still keep jacking up the prices. GreenWave Mar 13 #3

That is correct. Old Crank Mar 13 #4

Thankful to own a Prius. SleeplessinSoCal Mar 13 #9

SheltieLover

(81,744 posts)

1. I don't get out much, but 50 mpg on my old Hondas is great!

Reply to Old Crank (Original post)

Fri Mar 13, 2026, 09:06 AM

Mar 13

Old Crank

(7,272 posts)

5. That is pretty good

Reply to SheltieLover (Reply #1)

Fri Mar 13, 2026, 03:01 PM

Mar 13

And Hondas are dependable.
When we moved to Germany we got rid of our cars.
Almost 11 years without one.
It is 600 steps to my new grocery store. I put about 1,600 miles on my city bike. I have a transit pass that is about $60 per month. It covers bus, tram, Ubahn, Sbahn, and regional trains.
For our move and big purchases we now use a car share.
So I don't see a direct impact on fuel prices.

SheltieLover

(81,744 posts)

7. Lucky you!

Reply to Old Crank (Reply #5)

Fri Mar 13, 2026, 03:53 PM

Mar 13

Sounds like a very nice lifestyle you have!

Yes, I love my old Hondas and the 1 1990 Acura!

Enjoy!

MichMan

(17,403 posts)

2. Gas taxes in Europe are a few dollars per gallon higher than ours

Reply to Old Crank (Original post)

Fri Mar 13, 2026, 10:28 AM

Mar 13

Had we done that people would be much more interested in buying fuel efficient and EV, however there is no political will here in the US to raise gas taxes by $3 or more per gallon like they have in Europe.

Old Crank

(7,272 posts)

6. We were on holiday in France

Reply to MichMan (Reply #2)

Fri Mar 13, 2026, 03:04 PM

Mar 13

When Trump made his move.
The rental car took diesel and we got about 50 mpg. €1.73 per liter.
I guess I need to roll past a gas station and see what is happening here in Munich.

MichMan

(17,403 posts)

8. That is equivalent to $6.50 Euros or $7.41 USD per gallon

Reply to Old Crank (Reply #6)

Fri Mar 13, 2026, 05:18 PM

Mar 13

My point is that if we taxed fuels accordingly so the costs in the US were similar, people would be way more interested in buying fuel efficient vehicles. Since fuel here costs half of what they are paying in Europe, not surprised that people choose to drive what they do.

Old Crank

(7,272 posts)

10. Yes.

Reply to MichMan (Reply #8)

Fri Mar 13, 2026, 08:25 PM

Mar 13

W decided to put a war or 2 on a credit card instead of driving up the gas tax a bit at a time.

GreenWave

(12,801 posts)

3. And despite the record release of gas supplies, they still keep jacking up the prices.

Reply to Old Crank (Original post)

Fri Mar 13, 2026, 10:44 AM

Mar 13

Old Crank

(7,272 posts)

4. That is correct.

Reply to GreenWave (Reply #3)

Fri Mar 13, 2026, 02:55 PM

Mar 13

SleeplessinSoCal

(10,439 posts)

9. Thankful to own a Prius.

Reply to Old Crank (Original post)

Fri Mar 13, 2026, 08:24 PM

Mar 13

A 2007 no less.

CA was and is still leading the way. One big reason...

Reply to this discussion

Kick in to the DU tip jar?

This week we're running a special pop-up mini fund drive. From Monday through Friday we're going ad-free for all registered members, and we're asking you to kick in to the DU tip jar to support the site and keep us financially healthy.

As a bonus, making a contribution will allow you to leave kudos for another DU member, and at the end of the week we'll recognize the DUers who you think make this community great.