I see via GasBuddy, you are paying in Akron $3.22 per gallon, which in our terms is 85cents per Ltr, ( which we pay $1.25), or in your terms $4.73 per US Gallon.
So it is not too bad, considering that 2 years ago, our exchange rate was 75 cents to the US Dollar, now it is parity.
Don't know what this Carbon Tax is going to do, but they are saying that it will increase fuel prices by 6 cents/Ltr, and electricity bills by $300/ Yr, but the flow on effect will be horrendous, me thinks, and the fact 80% of Aussies are against it, will determine the Governments fate at the next election.
Thats what you get when the country has an election, and the only way the left wing party, ( with the help of the greens), gets into power, with some independents, the left are pushed even more left!!!
Anyway, Australia and the USA, are very different, but we are the same, we have universal Health care, you don't, you produce crap cars, so do we.
Cheers
Terr y