> Everyone
>
> I had no idea I'd stir up such a round of debate on this topic.
>

On this forum, you can never really predict what topics take off and which will be of little or no interest (at the time).

> Incidentally, I apologise for the odd timings of my postings but I am 5-8 hours ahead of the US timewise.
>

Frankly, I'm only in here once or twice a day. I think most people just come and go when they have an opportunity. That's the major benefit to a forum rather than a chatroom. There's no such thing as "odd timings". It would not be too surprising to see someone reply to this thread in another year or so.

> It is a sad fact that the UK has its own oil reserves in the North Sea and thus the manufacturing/refining costs here are among the lowest anywhere.
>
> What really bites us is the fact that 86% of the price we pay at the pump goes directly in taxes to the government. If we didn't have that we'd be paying even less than you guys. Also true, the British government rakes in £30 billon p.a. from the British motorist and only pays £6 billion on improving the transport infrastructure.
>
> Kinda sucks, don't it.
>
> Just get this: I normally drive a Ford Mondeo, (when it's not in the 'shop!) It takes 14 UK Gallons (17.5 US). I pay around £60 or $96.
>
> Of that our government gets £51.60 or $82.56. Anyone fancy paying $82.56 just for the privilege of filling up their car?
>
> I somehow doubt it.
>
> Anyway, that's my rant over with for the day.
> Trip to the drive-in anyone?

Prices that obscene *have* to be balanced out somewhere, or very few people would drive. Are wages a little higher, or are other costs lower?


>
> Tranio - I'll keep em up as long as I'm able.
> Please tell me when they start to irritate. I wouldn't want to bug people too much.
>

Irritate schmirritate! I rather enjoy them. Do you have a list of them written up beforehand?

> B "read is horrible when it's too y" easty

Tra "I literally laughed out loud, really" nio