A pattern can be seen in the fuel prices in various countries: 1.the OIL producing countries, the developed & big ones like U.S., Russia, China etc. whose per capita consumptions are highest in the world have low prices. In fact if one factors in the standard of living in these countries, even these lower prices will work out still cheaper. Obviosly economies of these rich countries are robust enough to absorb the difference. 2.Smaller but muslim countries like Pakistan, Malaysia etc. also have lower prices.These countries must be getting the Crude OIL at lower prices from the OIL producing Islamic nations like Saudi arabia who pass on that burden to non-islamic countries like ours.So, in a way we are partly subsidising not only for the rich but also for countries like Pakistan, Malaysia etc. It is time for the World and country like India to come out with a long term Energy Policy and reduce our dependance on Crude OIL. There should be international agreement to rationalise OIL prices in direct proportion to consumption and standard of living .
