Why Are Gas Prices So High?

People often complain about the amount of money they spend on gasoline. This is logical, since America is such a "car culture" and it is quite difficult to get around in many areas without a car. Gas, therefore, becomes one of life's major necessities like food and water. And the fact that people perceive that gas prices are so high leads to a lot of general frustration in society.

Basically, there are three ways to answer the question "Why are gas prices so high". The first factor is crude oil, which often comes from Saudi Arabia and other countries in the Middle East. Since there is often political instability in these places and conflict with the West, gas prices are effected. When you ask "why are gas prices so high?", you might find that answer is political as well as economic, and the two ofte interface in today's world.

The other reason why gas prices are so high is supply and demand. The recent disasters of caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Wilma led to long lines at the pump. No one had to ask "Why are gas prices so high?", because it was clear that there were so many people who needed fuel to leave the cities that the prices naturally went up.

When people wonder why gas prices are so high, there is usually an implication that the government is at fault. State taxes affect the price of gasoline. Many candidates vow to lower taxes if elected, but a lot of this depends on other factors.

For those of us who grew up in the Carter administration, we wonder why people ask "Why are gas prices so high?" The oil embargo caused gas prices to skyrocket, making today's prices seem very low by comparision. Americans often complain about high gas prices, but gas prices in the United States are much lower than in Europe.