Gas only $0.05/gallon in Iraq

It looks like there's finally somewhere I can fill up my tank for less than 30 bucks...

From the AP:

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/world/2611925

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- While Americans are shelling out record prices for fuel, Iraqis pay only about 5 cents a gallon for gasoline -- a benefit of hundreds of millions of dollars in subsidies bankrolled by U.S. taxpayers.

Before the war, forecasters predicted that by invading Iraq and ousting Saddam Hussein, America would benefit from increased exports of oil from Iraq, which has the world's second-largest petroleum reserves.

That would mean cheap gas for American motorists and a boost for the oil-dependent American economy.

More than a year after the invasion, that logic has been flipped on its head. Now the average price for gasoline in the United States is running $2.05 a gallon -- 50 cents more than the pre-invasion price.

The only people getting cheap gas as a result of the invasion are the Iraqis.

Filling a 22-gallon tank in Baghdad with low-grade fuel costs just $1.10, plus a 50-cent tip for the attendant. A tankful of high-test costs $2.75.

•  What's your point?

  You want them to pay $2.50 too?

  by PopeFlick on Tue Jun 08, 2004 at 07:05:44 AM PDT

•  Sweet Deal..

  I saw this yesterday.. we're paying $1.50 per gallon in neighboring countries and shipping it to Iraq, then selling it to them for $0.05..

  Good thing we don't have any homeless or hungry people in this country that could use that money, 'cause then it would just be silly.

  by dc on Tue Jun 08, 2004 at 07:08:34 AM PDT

•  Well, score one for Bush

  He drove down their prices at least. Now if he could just decrease their reliance on foreign troops.....

  by kilgoretrout on Tue Jun 08, 2004 at 07:09:25 AM PDT

  •  Saddam Sold Gas at 5 cents...

    ...so the colonial price is still the same.  Biggest difference is that Iraqis had refineries before occupation and now they have no refining facilities.  The Army is afraid of massive riots if they raise prices.

    by Grand Poobah on Tue Jun 08, 2004 at 07:24:49 AM PDT

    •  It's just oil

      If the oil prices hit the roof, they'll be fine. Besides, why do they need to drive anywhere anyhow? It's too dangerous anyway. They should just stay home and be thankful they're free. It's not like they still don't have electricity....uhm, well, at least they've got generators....uhm, well if they didn't go using up all of their energy trying to cool their houses in 100 degree heat they wouldn't be in such bad shape.

      There's just no pleasing some people.

      by kilgoretrout on Tue Jun 08, 2004 at 07:34:33 AM PDT

•  New vacation destination?

  With cheap gas prices, a warm, sunny climate, and a flowering sovereignty (soon to be followed by democracy), Baghdad is the next vacation hotspot!

  Make your reservations today!

  by Bob Johnson on Tue Jun 08, 2004 at 07:17:06 AM PDT

  •  oh?

    
    I was thinking more like Mad Max.

    by mr northstar on Tue Jun 08, 2004 at 07:25:02 AM PDT

  •  Iraq like Disney

    ..has Fireworks every night! Come to think of it I wonder if Disney will be adding Iraq to the countries in Epcot. "Daddy, can I buy an RPG at the Bazaar?"

    by joejoejoe on Tue Jun 08, 2004 at 07:37:05 AM PDT

•  All part of the plan

  When the U.S. supplied fuel disappears, the "transfer" will occur.  Economic problems?  Fuel cost problems?  Anger over a 3000% increase in fuel costs?  Hey, it was THEIR fault!

  How do you define security?

  by PSoTD on Tue Jun 08, 2004 at 07:22:24 AM PDT