Also the fact that the US is huge, spread out, and one of the most car centric countries on the planet. We don't have public transit or alternatives in most parts of the country, so combined with everything else, it makes it hurt a lot more when prices increase. I'm lucky to live in an area that actually has public transit, and also lucky enough to have an EV. Doesn't make the cost of goods any cheaper, of course.

I've got a wild idea for the Americans who keep voting republicans into power: let's fund public transit and get rid of cars, then gas prices don't matter anywhere near as much. You want lower gas prices to make food cheaper? That's the way to do it through reducing demand.

Tbh gas WAS around $1/gallon before Bush started his wars in the Middle East. We’re still a net exporter, there’s no reason gas should be so expensive beyond corporate greed.