AAA: How High is Too High for Gas?

New information released by AAA shows that American motorists might just have a breaking point when it comes to high gasoline prices, and driving more fuel-efficient cars is the answer for many.

According to a new consumer price index developed by AAA, half of U.S. adults consider gas prices to be “too high” when the per-gallon price reaches $3.44.

Other results of the AAA survey demonstrate show how consumer attitudes can change as prices rise above significant milestones:

• 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

“It was not long ago that motorists were shocked to pay more than $3 per gallon for gasoline, but now that is standard at stations nationwide,” said Robert Darbelnet, president and chief executive officer of AAA.

“Today’s average consumer feels a breaking point on high gas prices closer to $3.50 per gallon, and expensive prices have forced many motorists to change their driving habits,” he said.

Indeed, the AAA survey also showed that about two-thirds of Americans, or 62 percent, reported they try to offset high gas prices by changing their driving habits or lifestyle.

The ways drivers cut back, as cited by the survey, include:

• 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 more regularly, 15 percent
• Other, 18 percent

“It is possible there is a new normal in terms of consumer attitudes now that gas prices have remained above $3 per gallon for more than two years,” said Darbelnet. “Most people have resigned themselves to paying higher gas prices and are cutting back on driving, shopping and dining out to save money.”

Among those cutting back to offset gas prices, the AAA survey showed that consumers ages 18-34 are more likely to do so than adults 35 and older, by either working closer to home, at 48 percent versus 35 percent, or by using public transportation, at 25 percent versus 10 percent.

AAA reported today’s national average price of gasoline at $3.52 per gallon, but noted that gas prices vary by more than $1 per gallon nationwide. For example, motorists living on the West Coast, in the Northeast and near the Great Lakes commonly report paying more than $4 per gallon, although the national average has not surpassed $4 per gallon since 2008.  

The national average has remained above $3 per gallon for 28 consecutive months, AAA said, and above $3.44 per gallon for 82 days.

The AAA survey was conducted March 28-30, of more than 1,000 adults living in the continental U.S.
 

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