... and located inconveniently underground. Photograph: AP.
Yes, we know that two thirds of the price at the pump is tax. But that is down from 73 per cent in 1995 and 77 per cent in 2000.
In France the proportion is only a fraction less - 66 per cent, and they also have an eminently sensible road toll regime. In Germany it is 65 per cent.
Oil is expensive. That's pretty much the deal.
(If the fabulously cash rich companies that retail it to us want to make it cheaper, either out of the goodness of their hearts or as a result of some back room political deal, they are of course welcome to do so.)
There is a pleasingly unequivocal leader on the subject in the Guardian today.
Many of the protesters are farmers who are already in receipt of half-price fuel for their off-road vehicles and subsidies from the taxpayer for their farming activities. This is economically crazy and morally unjustified since they subsidise lossmaking output, much of which could generate desperately needed jobs in developing countries.
One admires their cheek for holding out the begging bowl again, but they need to get back to the real world.
