90% of Americans plan to change their lifestyle as a result of high gas prices according to a Tellwut opinion poll (LINK)
Though gas prices have eased along with the economic deterioration in the EU and US, prices remain above last year levels and we in North America still feel nervous that another hike in gas prices may be around the corner. Given the gas price outrage that peaked in April, President Obama can push aside this thorny issue for now. A Tellwut member posted an online survey surrounding this issue and over 325 voted as summarized below:
- 90% of Americans are changing some factors in their life style as a result of high prices, from 24% not taking trips with expensive fuel surcharges, 18% plan to take more transit, 23% said they have or plan to buy a more fuel efficient car and 16% said they were holding off buying a new car
- 50% consider high gas prices to be an election issue and 11% were not sure
- 49% don’t agree with the way Obama is handling the situation
- 49% believe big oil companies are to blame
- The reason for the high gas prices is thought to be a result of: Increased demand for oil from developing countries such as China and India | 21%, US and EU sanctions against Iran, holder of the second largest global oil reserve. | 19%, Commodity speculation allowed for by the Commodity Futures Modernization Act of 2000 | 15%
