This may be smart, but is it fair?

photos by Gary D. Brune copyright 2008
These are the latest gasoline and diesel fuel prices on Fair Street in Chico as of 11 am today.
This is one of a few Smart Cars running in Butte County. Starting at about $12,000 this European sub-compact gets an estimated 47 miles per gallon. The driver of this car said it takes $20 to fill the gas tank.
Is this where we have to go to cope with escalating prices?