L’essence est-elle plus chère qu’en 2008 ? La réalité pourrait vous surprendre !
This analysis aims to determine if current gasoline prices are excessive, who is responsible for potential price inflation, and whether petrol is truly more expensive now than in the past, specifically comparing current prices to those in 2008. The discussion begins by addressing a common social media comparison that suggests a rip-off, as a barrel of oil in 2008 cost $147 with diesel at €1.35 per liter, while today, with a barrel at $110, diesel is €2 per liter.
To accurately assess this, the analysis first clarifies the context. A barrel of oil contains 159 liters. The initial comparison of ratios (crude oil price to pump price) showed a doubling from 1.08 in 2008 to 0.55 today, implying a significant increase in pump price despite a cheaper barrel. However, this comparison is based on peak prices in 2008, where the $147 barrel price was a temporary peak in July, and the pump price was closer to €1.70. Similarly, the €2 pump price today corresponds to a barrel price closer to $100, not $110.
