Welcome to the Business Journal Archives
Search for articles below, or continue to the all new BusinessJournalDaily.com now.
Search
Public Blames OPEC, Oil Companies, Not U.S. Government"
ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- As gasoline prices soar, with many motorists now paying more than $2 a gallon, a new Harris poll brings good news for the White House. Only 23% of the public thinks that the U.S. government is mainly to blame for high gas prices. Most people blame either OPEC (37%) or foreign oil producers (35%) rather than the government.The poll surveyed 2,141 adults who own or lease a vehicle. The poll was conducted online by Harris Interactive between May 10 and May 17.The survey also finds that drivers believe they are spending, on average, more than $90 a month more on gasoline that they were spending a year ago. However, this average is pulled up by a small proportion of drivers who spend a lot on gas. Half of all drivers report increased monthly spending on gas of about $40 or less.Other results of the survey include:40% of drivers say they have cut back on other expenditures to pay more for gasoline. The expenditures reduced most often are eating out, driving in general, shopping, weekend trips, recreation and movies.Most people believe that higher gasoline prices will refocus attention on more fuel efficient vehicles with higher miles per gallon (81%) and will increase consumer interest in high-mileage, hybrid gas-election vehicles (76%).The public is somewhat evenly divided (46% to 54%) as to whether or not higher gas prices will significantly reduce vehicle purchases.60% of adults who plan to buy a new vehicle in the next two years believe that they will buy a more efficient car or truck.This survey also finds a widespread perception believed by 71% of the public that U.S. automobile manufacturers are not moving as quickly as they should to build high miles per gallon vehicles.Visit Harris Poll at http://www.harrispollonline.com/ "