Pain at The Pump Here at Home & in Europe

By Mark Geary, Reporter

FILE - In this March 22, 2011 file photo, a vehicle fills up with gas in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File)

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By Aaron Hepker

Story Created: Apr 25, 2011 at 6:16 PM CDT

Story Updated: Apr 25, 2011 at 6:38 PM CDT

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Across the country, sticker shock and frustration is setting in as gas prices hit new highs. Two years ago when President Obama was sworn in, a gallon of gas cost about $1.84. Now, the average price nationally is closer to $4, hovering around $3.86 a gallon. Here in Iowa, the state average isn’t much below that, $3.80 a gallon.

Every time gas prices creep up even a few cents, people complain. After all, money is tight for many families right now ... given the economy. But we came across one family who actually thinks four dollar gas is a bargain.

Anyone who drives a car hears the sound of more and more money flowing out of their pocket every time they visit the pump. Plenty of people complain about the price, but these digits look like a deal to Wilson family. They’re visiting from England. ”It is so much cheaper and affordable in my mind,” says Leila Wilson. ”Three or four dollars a gallon doesn’t seem that bad.” Back home, the Wilsons pay $8 a gallon. ”We don’t like it, but we still have to pay it.”

Even though people overseas might be used to paying more, they still get frustrated. ”The truck drivers go on strike quite a lot when the prices go up. But, you just have to deal with it. You just live with it,” Wilson said. With no sign of relief in sight, people in both America and England should probably get ready to squeeze even more cash out of their wallets this summer.

So, why are prices cheaper here than overseas? There’s a variety of reasons, but taxes are the main culprit. In Europe, Time Magazine reports taxes can account for as much as 70% of the price.

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