Perspective on gas prices: Let’s consider the bigger picture

Q

Many of us are hurting with $5-a-gallon gas, and we know about the pandemic’s effect on oil supplies and prices.

But let’s look at the bigger picture.

People in countries like Netherlands, Israel and England pay the equivalent of $7.50 to $8.50 a gallon because it is heavily taxed there.

But people in countries like Iran, Kuwait and Venezuela pay the equivalent of 10 cents up to $1.30 for a gallon because it is subsidized as a public benefit.

Take comfort in the fact that the prices will go down when supply kinks get worked out.

But for now, these high prices might help the sales of more economical cars and electric vehicles. We still need better batteries and more charging stations. Let’s hope the infrastructure spending will help on some of that.

— David Ogilvie, South San Francisco

A

It will help, to the tune of $384 million over five years to support the expansion of an EV charging network in the state.

California also can apply for the $7.5 billion in grant funding dedicated to building out the EV charging network across the country.

The goal is that by 2030 in California, 5 million vehicles will be zero-emission, and that there will be 250,000 electric-vehicle charging stations throughout the Golden State. California has more than 73,000 electric charging stations, but the California Energy Commission projects that the state will need 1.2 million chargers by 2030 to support the number of electric vehicles then on the road.

Q

Thank you for the stories on good Samaritans, some cheery and sweet alternatives to most of the daily news!

What a good idea to save these for Thanksgiving time.

I especially love the one about the blackberries.

— Emily Sparks,

Oakland

A

I’m so glad you enjoyed the stories. Good Samaritan deeds need to be recognized.

Q

I read you almost every day (I’m not perfect).

So what’s the law regarding vehicles with noise maker attachments? It used to be huge boom box speakers.

Now it’s a combination of drivers disabling mufflers and/or simulated, enhanced, high-volume engine roar.

The sound can penetrate closed windows.

The sound often comes from show cars, sideshow cars or high-powered sports cars.

What prompts this message is the increasing occurrence of this, and the ridiculousness of 15-year-old plain-looking compact economy cars suddenly blasting sounds far louder than leaf blowers or chain saws.

It isn’t only the young. I’ve also seen 60-plus old drivers grinning, craving and savoring attention for their obnoxious behavior.

A

This can violate noise ordinances, but it’s hard to prevent. And I agree with you about how obnoxious these are.