I get the South African price at ZAR 6.47 per litre, or US$0.90 per litre. But, our fuel prices are regulated in terms of gasoline but not diesel. Also, the prices are set according to exchange rates and crude prices, so the price fluctates from month to month.
For that price, I have a pump attendant who - if his boss is around -
- fills the tank
- checks tyres
- checks oil
- washes windows
- bestows best wishes on me.
So, the issue of service means it takes 6 minutes to fill, and 30 minutes for all the other service related items.
Now, the other way to look at this - I could buy a bicycle, but then I need to eat more. But, food prices are set according to delivery costs - so back to gasoline prices. Also, I am not too fit so I need to factor in medical bills. Also, the average SA driver has not quite got the idea of good driving skills, so there is also the stuntman aspect. No, its still cheaper to drive.
Funnily enough we had a fuel day a year or so ago, where the government urged everyone not to drive. Cool - except they all got driven to work for "security" reasons.