One of the differences between gas in the USA & other countries is healthcare. In the USA tax on gas doesn't pay for healthcare. In other countries many of the taxes they pay also pay for their healthcare. In the USA we get healthcare from our job/work place, if you have one these days, or buy it ourselves. An average medical insurance policy costs around $500-$600 per month.
Most places in the USA have zero public transportation. We're a big country, so driving is almost a must in most places, except for big cities. Speculators drive up the prices, so stockholders can get richer & the rest of us get poorer. If you live in the norht heating oil went thru the roof. It's cost us an average of $600 a month to heat this winter.
And now, we not only are getting hit with higher fabric prices, but food prices are to skyrocket too.
For most wage increases have been very low or none at all for the last several years & it doesn't look like there will be any increases soon. Those of us on Soc. Sec. haven't gotten any increase in 2 years & don't expect any next year either. UGHHHH where does it end??