Rising Gas Prices

[nc73]

$7.50 (roughly) a gallon here...Scotland

[StartingOver08]

$7.50/gallon '
Glad I'm here in sunny South Fl...we have nothing to complain about!

[HRx]

Gas prices vary here....as low as $2.33 and high as $2.46 for regular unleaded.

[FLBK7]

$7.50 (roughly) a gallon here...Scotland

Okay, but what does the average Scot or resident of Scotland drive? I lived in Europe for several years, didn't have a car and used their very reliable public transportation. But the average car-owner drove very fuel-efficient vehicles, some with only 2 HP! I never knew of anyone with an automatic transmission either, they were all manual. In fact, Europe is where I learned to handle a manual transmission as I once rented a car to go on vacation and just about all the rentals were manual. A tank of gas used to last most people a whole month!

[nc73]

Okay, but what does the average Scot or resident of Scotland drive? I lived in Europe for several years, didn't have a car and used their very reliable public transportation. But the average car-owner drove very fuel-efficient vehicles, some with only 2 HP! I never knew of anyone with an automatic transmission either, they were all manual. In fact, Europe is where I learned to handle a manual transmission as I once rented a car to go on vacation and just about all the rentals were manual. A tank of gas used to last most people a whole month!

Most people drive hundreds of miles per week here. Public transport is too cumbersome, taking 2-3 buses just to get to work. I don't know anyone at work that takes the bus in. They all drive, some 50 miles one way. When your wife can only drive automatic what else can ya do? I ride my motorcycle to work though. People drive less here because the fuel is too expensive. Hell just to get to a decent restaurant I have to drive 30 miles (haven't been to one yet btw). So I drive less but it's still expensive. It's the same in the states, some people live close to work, some don't.

[FLBK7]

Most people drive hundreds of miles per week here. Public transport is too cumbersome, taking 2-3 buses just to get to work. I don't know anyone at work that takes the bus in. They all drive, some 50 miles one way. When your wife can only drive automatic what else can ya do? I ride my motorcycle to work though. People drive less here because the fuel is too expensive. Hell just to get to a decent restaurant I have to drive 30 miles (haven't been to one yet btw). So I drive less but it's still expensive. It's the same in the states, some people live close to work, some don't.

The average American drives 300 miles per week. In the suburbs that average is often higher. I have visited Scotland only twice and never lived there but I do remember that, like everywhere else in Europe, their cars were generally smaller, the majority with manual transmissions, and of course, without air conditioning which really is not needed there. All of those things contribute to higher fuel efficiency and to a point, mitigate the high cost of gas.

[HRx]

Just paid $2.44 for regular unleaded today at the local S&H grocer. However, the average price seems to be about $2.56 in my area and $.10 higher a couple of towns nearby.

[nc73]

It does mitigate the high cost for some. But personally, compared to where I last lived, which was texas, I am spending twice as much on fuel in Scotland. Actually my mileage in Texas was even less and it was used mainly for commute. Also the same mpg. Why do you think everyone thinks I'm stupid for moving here? I get questioned all the time. WHY would you move here?? Stupid was my answer. People in the states can choose to buy more fuel efficient cars and live closer to work but they choose not to. They want to live in the suburbs with their big houses and drive 50 miles to work one way. Fuel efficient cars are available, not as plentiful but available nonetheless.

The average American drives 300 miles per week. In the suburbs that average is often higher. I have visited Scotland only twice and never lived there but I do remember that, like everywhere else in Europe, their cars were generally smaller, the majority with manual transmissions, and of course, without air conditioning which really is not needed there. All of those things contribute to higher fuel efficiency and to a point, mitigate the high cost of gas.

[FLBK7]

I don't know why you moved to Scotland from Texas, but it must have been major culture shock!

I mentioned in a previous post that I lived in Europe (3 different countries) for several years -- almost 6 years to be exact. But it was never a permanent move and I knew that when my assignments were over I'd have to move back to the USA, and I did. Those were the best professional years of my life, bar none. I agree that those were different times, with a much better economy, and I lived in the capital cities so for the most part we all used public transportation.

Don't call yourself stupid for having moved to Scotland. We all make decisions and sometimes those decisions aren't really the best ones. But such is life, and that's how we grow and learn. I wish you the best!!

[HRx]

$2.41 for regular unleaded....

[aces67]

$2.56 a gallon here.

I just bought a new/used vehicle that's equipped to use Ethanol. With gas at $2.56 I get an average of 20 miles per gallon. The Ethanol is $2.11 per gallon and the manual says my vehicle will only get 11 miles per gallon with it. Ouch. I know that's supposed to burn cleaner but who can afford it?

[StartingOver08]

$2.799 per gallon regular self serve here....(S FL)

[momisery]

I live in the subs, and I moved there because the housing was cheaper, I could not afford one in town. I would have loved to live closer to work. Of course I will be getting my wish next year as I will be renting in town I hope.. lol Some did move out to get better schools, and a lot more house. Many others did it to simply afford a home.

[nc73]

Climate g

Sooo with Obama promising an emissions cut, I'm thinking energy prices will rise. We'll be paying up the nose for gas soon.

[momisery]

Okay, on the way back up today since people might actually try to get out and "enjoy" themselves the gas companies want to make sure they make the best of their profits.. 2.49 this morning up from 2.41 the day before... If we stopped the futures betting it would help. Investing in one thing, being able to bet for or against on Wall Street should reguire a casino license.