I don't think people in Europe are content to wait longer and pay more, I think they just don't have any choice.
Same difference. There's always a choice. but because they are convinced that the tax component of the cost of a liter of petrol is a justifiable social expense
That's nice. Except guess what? The difference in cost of a liter of petrol in Europe and the US is much, much higher than 100%, so it's not (entirely) because the taxation. Fact is that in most of Europe the majority cost of a liter of fuel is taxes
Sure. The net tax on petrol in Denmark is roughly 70%. The price difference between petrol in Denmark and in the US (NYC) is roughly 300%. Are you saying that the US Federal, New York State, or New Youk City government is subsidizing the price of gas in New York City? Where else would this enormous price difference come from, if not because of market forces?I realize that the average European citizen pays more in taxes than the average US citizen, and that's probably why companies get away with ripping off European customers. We are accustomed to paying more for less, and you can simply blame higher prices on taxation and people will blame the government instead. It's a win/win situation.
However it should also be noted that certain International companies (McDonalds and Coca-Cola spring to mind) pay no taxes at all in Denmark, yet their products aren't cheaper than companies who sell a competing product, but do pay taxes. Why do you think that is?