(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Many adults in the United States expect to be directly impacted by the current fuel crisis, according to a poll by Ipsos released by the Associated Press and AOL News. 64 per cent of respondents expect increases in the price of gasoline to cause financial hardship.

On Aug. 12, the price of an oil barrel at the New York Mercantile Exchange closed at $66.86 U.S., up $1.06 U.S. in a day. The price has increased by almost 50 per cent in the past 12 months.

According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), the national average cost of a gallon of fuel in early August was $2.41 U.S. In each of the country's 50 states, the price of gasoline was higher than $2.23 U.S. The national average was $2.11 for the last weekend of May.

In April, U.S. president George W. Bush declared, "I wish I could simply wave a magic wand and lower gas prices tomorrow; I'd do that. Unfortunately, higher gas prices are a problem that has been years in the making." 59 per cent of respondents think Bush is not handling the nation's energy problems effectively.

Americans are divided over who is responsible for higher energy prices. 30 per cent of respondents believe oil companies that want to make too much profit deserve the most blame, 22 per cent mention foreign countries that dominate oil reserves, and 21 per cent say politicians are responsible. Environmentalists and people who drive gas-guzzling vehicles are next on the list.

Polling Data

Over the next six months, do you expect that increases in the price of gasoline will cause financial hardship for you or your family, or not?

Do you think George W. Bush is or is not handling the nation's energy problems effectively?

Which one of the following would you say deserves the most blame for higher energy prices?

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