When I was in Italy several years ago, we paid the equivalent of $5 per gallon of gas. I almost choked. I am trying to remember that now, as I pay 1.90/gal
There are a couple of reasons, some mentioned in the article:
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In the United Kingdom, however, gas taxes provide 17% of the government's budget and make up more than three-quarters of the cost of a gallon of gasoline. Taxes in Italy, Germany and France raise 4% to 5% of the national budget revenues, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.
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1. the governments need the money
2. many of their roads are in terrible shape & must be maintained
3. they impose the high taxes to force people to use the public transit & stay out of cars. Much of Europe has hideously overcrowded streets & pollution.