Americans are generally aware that fuel costs more in Europe than at home, but you may not realize just how high taxes are on a gallon of gas in many European countries. In fact, the EU sets a minimum tax of $1.55 (at current exchange rates) per gallon for all member states, but many charge their drivers far more. The Tax Foundation’s Adam Hoffer explains:
In response to a year of extreme energy price increases in 2022, many European countries offered partial relief through temporary fuel tax reductions. In 2023, European gas and diesel taxes have mostly returned to the rates in place before the Russia-Ukraine war. The European Union (EU) requires Member States to levy a minimum excise duty of €0.36 per liter ($1.55 per gallon) on petrol (gasoline).
Today’s map shows that only Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, Malta, and Poland stick to the minimum rate, while all other EU countries levy higher excise duties on gas. The lowest gas tax is in Hungary, at €0.29 per liter ($1.21 per gallon), as the Hungarian rate is set in its domestic currency, the forint, resulting in an average rate slightly below the EU minimum after exchange rate fluctuations. The next lowest rates after exchange rates are Bulgaria, Malta, and Romania, each at €0.36 per liter ($1.48 per gallon).
Of all the European countries, the Netherlands boasts the highest taxes per gallon, charging drivers $3.25 extra (at current exchange rates) per gallon. Hoffer continues:
The Netherlands has the highest gas tax in the EU, at €0.79 per liter ($3.25 per gallon). Italy applies the second-highest rate at €0.73 per liter ($3.00 per gallon), followed by Finland at €0.72 per liter ($2.98 per gallon).
Action Line: Politicians in Europe are just like those in the U.S. Some see their citizens as piggy banks to fund their own priorities, and some see citizens as valued customers to serve. Make sure you’re living somewhere you are treated well. If you’re looking for a better America, start your search with Your Survival Guy’s 2023 Super States. Then click here to subscribe to my free monthly Survive & Thrive letter, and make yourself a Survivor.
E.J. Smith - Your Survival Guy
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