Petrol versus gas: Europe and America view gasoline policy, price, and tax differently

Journal Article · Thu Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1979 · EUROPE; (United States)

OSTI ID:5422852

Kemezis, P

The politics of gasoline has pitted energy planners who see the need to give low priority to private driving against motorists who resent measures to change their habits. The US response has differed from that of Europe because Europeans are more dependent on imported oil and have more-efficient vehicles. Europeans still view the US auto fleet as gas guzzlers, although mandatory mileage standards and decontrol of gasoline prices are having positive effects. Tax and price policies are traditionally used in Europe to moderate demand, while US gasoline taxes have remained low and the need to raise taxes will be balanced by the political pressures of an election year. Consumer prices in Europe are closely linked to the world market in contrast to US import policies. Attempts to correct this situation in the US have been misunderstood by the public, which fears a rip-off by the oil companies or the government and opposes the 55-mph speed limit. Alternative vehicles and fuels will be the long-term solution, but these measures will take time. (DCK)

• OSTI ID: 5422852
• Journal Information: EUROPE; (United States), Journal Name: EUROPE; (United States) Vol. 216; ISSN ERPED
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
298000* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Consumption & Utilization
32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320203 -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Transportation-- Land & Roadway
33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS
330000 -- Advanced Propulsion Systems
AUTOMOBILES
CONSUMPTION RATES
DEMAND FACTORS
ECONOMIC ELASTICITY
EFFICIENCY
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
EUROPE
FUELS
GASOLINE
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
NORTH AMERICA
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
PRICES
REGULATIONS
TAXES
USA
VEHICLES