As in the United States, rising crude prices had pushed up the cost. But a gallon of premium unleaded in London is 2i times more expensive than in New York, and taxes account for 76 percent of the price. When chauffeur-driven officials like British Prime Minister Tony Blair refused to lower the tax, they faced the sort of road rage once aimed at oil sheiks. Blair go truck yourself, read one placard. As the siege continued, the Shell executive told his guests it was best to take the train.
