By Oregon — American Automobile Association [5]
[6]
AAA’s New Consumer Index Identifies ‘High Gas Price’ Breaking Point
Two in three consumers offset high gas prices with driving or lifestyle changes
Half of U.S. adults consider gas prices to be “too high” when they reach $3.44 per gallon, indicating a tipping point that leads to behavior changes.A new consumer price index developed by AAA shows that roughly two-thirds of Americans (62 percent) are offsetting high pump prices 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, but that seems like a distant memory for most of us,” said Dave Carlson, public affairs director for AAA Idaho. Carlson said AAA’s new nationwide survey confirms the consumer breaking point is nearer the $3.50 mark.
Results of a nationwide open-ended survey of 1,012 adult Americans demonstrate how attitudes are expected to change as prices rise above significant milestones:
46 percent believe gas is too high when the price reaches $3.00 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 $4.00 per gallon
AAA says previously there was speculation about a tipping point at which prices affect behavior, but the new consumer index suggests there’s a new ‘normal.’ “After paying more than $3 per gallon for more than two years, most people have resigned themselves to paying higher gas prices and are cutting back on driving, shopping and dining out to save money,” Carlson said.
What changes are consumers making to offset higher prices? The survey confirms what most of us might have suspected: We’re driving less (86%), reducing shopping or dining out (71%), driving a more fuel efficient car (54%) and delaying major purchases (53%).
We’re also working closer to home (39%), carpooling (33%) and using public transportation more regularly (15%), the AAA survey shows.
Based on AAA’s Daily Fuel Gauge Report (www.fuelgauge.AAA.com), the U.S. average price for regular unleaded gasoline is $3.51. Idaho’s average price today is $3.53. While Idaho and the U.S. average prices have not surpassed $4.00 per gallon since 2008, it is not uncommon for motorists living on the West Coast, near the Great Lakes and Northeast to pay more than $4.00 per gallon.