Half of U.S. adults consider gas prices to be “too high” at $3.44 per gallon, according to a new consumer price index developed by AAA. During the first three months of 2013, Ohio’s gas prices averaged $3.59 per gallon. Roughly two-thirds (62 percent) of drivers have offset these high fuel costs by changing their driving habits or lifestyle.
“It was not long ago that motorists were shocked to pay more than $3 per gallon for gasoline, and now that is standard at stations nationwide,” said Robert L. Darbelnet, President and CEO of AAA.
Both the national and Ohio gas price averages have remained above $3 a gallon for 28 consecutive months (since January, 2011).
AAA’s new gas price index tracks consumer attitudes toward what seems to be a new standard of gas prices. The open-ended survey of adult drivers revealed:
- 46 percent believe gas is too high when the price reaches $3 per gallon
- 61 percent believe gas is too high when the price reaches $3.50 per gallon
- 90 percent believe gas is too high when the price reaches $4 per gallon
Consumers report changing their driving habits or lifestyle in a number of ways to offset higher gas prices, including:
- Driving less – 86 percent
- Reducing shopping or dining out – 71 percent
- Driving a more fuel efficient car – 54 percent
- Delaying major purchases – 53 percent
- Working closer to home – 39 percent
- Carpooling – 33 percent
- Using public transportation – 15 percent
Younger consumers, ages 18-34, are more likely to offset higher gas prices by working closer to home or using public transportation more regularly than adults ages 35 and up. This could suggest a shift in driving attitude, but it’s too early to tell whether the trend will continue in the future.
The gas price index asked respondents, “At what price do you consider the cost of gasoline to be too high?” AAA combined respondents’ answers to determine a median consumer breaking point of $3.44 per gallon.
The telephone survey of 1,011 adults, age 18 and older, living in the continental United States, was conducted between March 28 and 30, 2013. During this time, the national average gasoline price was $3.64 per gallon.
As North America’s largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 53 million members with travel-, insurance-, financial- and automotive-related services. AAA clubs can be visited online at AAA.com.
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