(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Adults in the United States are divided over who is responsible for rising fuel prices, according to a poll by Ipsos-Public Affairs released by the Associated Press. 29 per cent of respondents believe oil companies that want to make too much profit are to blame, while 24 per cent say foreign countries that dominate oil reserves are liable.

For the past month, gas prices have risen all over the U.S. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), the national average cost of a gallon of fuel is currently $2.22 U.S. In each of the country's 50 states, the price of gasoline is higher than $2.00 U.S. 55 per cent of respondents say the prices have greatly affected them on a personal level.

On Apr. 20, 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." 23 per cent of respondents blame politicians for rising fuel costs, and 62 per cent of respondents believe the president is not handling the nation's energy problems effectively.

Polling Data

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

How much do higher prices for gasoline, natural gas and home heating oil affect you personally?

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

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