I can remember when gas was 22 cents a gallon from the independents and 50% more from the major refineries (Chevron, Texaco, etc.). Now there are no independent refineries and guess what gas prices are higher. Minimum wage then was less than $1. Now the minimum wage is 7x that amount but gas is 20x more expensive. Problem is that all the profits of American corporations have gone to 1% of the population. If the people that actually do the work were paid fairly there would be no issues with the price of gas.
In Europe gas prices are much higher but in most areas people are not captive of the auto and gas industry. They have good mass transit and do not have to own and maintain and operate 2-3 cars per household in order to get to work, go to school, go shopping, or pursue recreational activities. Difference is that here transportation systems are designed to maximize corporate profits while in Europe they are designed to maximize the benefit and minimize the cost to the people - what a concept.