Petrol prices are the most volatile across the world. The price of gasoline depends on the price of crude oil, the taxes imposed by different states, the exchange rate and oil company costs. Demand and supply imbalance also influence petrol and diesel prices. So prices vary in different countries. In India, petrol prices continue to rise as the country largely depends on imports to meet its requirements.
The only demand that will become high when petrol prices rise is the demand for fuel-efficient cars.
Prices situation that emerged in India was because of international commodity prices and since India is no longer a closed economy here were global recession. Also, there was drought. Hence, the price rise.
Generally prices rise when the is increased demand for a product (oil/petrol for example) or when there is a restriction in the supply (eg houses).
The rise in petrol prices can be attributed to several factors, including fluctuations in crude oil prices, which are influenced by global supply and demand dynamics, geopolitical tensions, and production cuts by major oil-producing countries. Additionally, changes in refining capacity, transportation costs, and local taxation can also impact petrol prices. Seasonal demand variations, such as increased travel during holidays, can further exacerbate price increases. Lastly, currency exchange rates can affect the cost of importing crude oil, leading to changes in local petrol prices.
"We depend on crude import to the extent of almost 80%. Therefore, price increase of petrol is rather a compulsion for survival of oil marketing companies even if it is a shock to the common people. I think both politics in business and business in politics are bad," said U.D. Choubey, director general of the Standing Conference of Public Enterprises, the apex body of state-owned firms and former chairman and managing director of GAIL (India) Ltd. <<< .. and it was on this site http://www.livemint.com/2011/09/15175541/Petrol-prices-rise-again-anot.htmls on this site
In 2011, the average petrol price in the United States was around $3.38 per gallon, while in 2012, it increased to approximately $3.80 per gallon. Prices varied significantly by region and fluctuated throughout the years due to factors like global oil prices, supply and demand, and geopolitical events. Overall, both years saw a notable rise in petrol prices compared to previous years.
The government controls the petrol price, in that it sets a standard price that all petrol providers must charge. The price is still affected by international oil prices, rising and falling as these prices rise and fall.
The recent rise in oil prices has been much greater than the rise in the value of the GB pound against the US dollar. Without the change in the exchange rate the rise in oil prices in pounds would have been even greater.
When prices rise, income buys less.
The increase in petrol prices can lead to higher transportation costs, which subsequently raises the prices of goods and services across various sectors. This can contribute to inflation, affecting the overall cost of living for citizens. Additionally, it may impact the economy by reducing disposable income, leading to decreased consumer spending. In some cases, the rise in fuel prices can also trigger public discontent and protests, influencing political stability.
During Bill Clinton's presidency, oil and petrol prices fell. The prices only started to rise during George Bush's presidency. The war and instability in Iraq caused tensions and an increase in fuel prices during Bush presidency.