New York City often acts like an independent nation. WHY ITРІР‚в„ўS HIGH: ItРІР‚в„ўs a lot lower than what many state politicians would like Combined with the stateРІР‚в„ўs 67-cent-per-gallon gas tax, these costs keep California prices high РІР‚вЂњ in every city. Some states relax regulations during winter, or when prices spike, but California requires enviro-friendly fuel 365 days a year.Р”В¬aliforniaРІР‚в„ўs regulations tend to create higher than average compliance costs for businesses all along the petroleum supply chain, from oil companies, refineries, and transporters to storage firms, wholesalers, and retailers. Vehicles sold in the Golden State have different, costlier smog systems that require low-polluting gas refined a different, costlier way.

The per-gallon prices range from $3.459 in Bakersfield to $3.568 in San Francisco.Р”Р„lso, California has the distinction (or onus) of having the most restrictive pollution regulations in the U.S. Still, in a list of the top 20 most expensive cities in which to buy gas, you have Honolulu at #1, New York City at #20, and 18 California cities between them. WHY ITРІР‚в„ўS HIGH: Vehicle emissions limits, environmental regulations, and taxes (again)Р”В¬alifornia has the highest combined taxation on gasoline of all states, and is only edged out of the #1 most expensive gas slot because of HawaiiРІР‚в„ўs transportation costs. CITY #2: San Francisco (plus 17 other cities in California) As a result HawaiiРІР‚в„ўs gas tax went from seventh-highest to #1 in the U.S. Residents were enjoying lower gas prices until the stateРІР‚в„ўs ethanol subsidy expired in 2009 and law makers decided to increase the tax on gasoline. Hawaii has long been the state with the highest per-gallon tax, but California recently took the lead (see next item).Р”Р„side from taxes, Hawaiians also have to pay for high distribution cost which makes Hawaii the most expensive state to live in. Consumers pay sales tax on top of that, while the fees and business taxes paid to the government by oil firms and dealers are passed on into the retail cost as well. Residents of Honolulu pay the most for a gallon of gas at $3.64, which includes 63.7 cents for state excise tax.

WHY ITРІР‚в„ўS HIGH: The same reason a can of Coke costs $2 РІР‚вЂњ delivery costs (and taxes) taxes it does not come as a surprise that you have to pay at least twice as much for gas there. Since taxes in Europe are generally even higher than U.S. Not only is there a federal excise tax per gallon, but the states add their own, as well as sales and gross receipts taxes, oil inspection and storage tank fees, and even various environmental fees. The biggest culprit is actually taxes which accounts for the high price of gas as well as the price differences between states.

In fact, gas stations end up with a very small profit margin unlike the big dogs in the oil industry. Anti-corporate activists and consumer watchdog groups often blame individual gas station owners for the retail markup even though they only add a few pennies to each gallon. The fourth and fifth price components are the least straightforward and most misunderstood. These costs influence the formula that eventually results in the point-of-sale price that consumers will pay. The former is a mix of heavy industry and high-tech with all the attendant costs, while the latter is a requirement for every business. The second cost is that of refining the oil into gasoline, and the third is the cost of distribution and marketing. What gives? A run through five cities with crippling gas prices will break it down for you. states and cities, the total at the gas pumps varies greatly. While the global community certainly shares AmericaРІР‚в„ўs pain where the energy crisis is concerned, one has to wonder what causes the great disparity in gasoline prices in different countries. The ever-increasing as gas prices have caused alarm and frustration throughout the last ten years. CITY #2: San Francisco (plus 17 other cities in California).

Barclay card five percent on gas