June 06, 2007

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many people in the United States believe high fuel prices are mainly due to private enterprises manipulating the market, according to a poll by Gallup published in USA Today. 34 per cent of respondents think greedy oil and gas companies are gouging the public.

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many people in the United States believe high fuel prices are mainly due to private enterprises manipulating the market, according to a poll by Gallup published in USA Today. 34 per cent of respondents think greedy oil and gas companies are gouging the public.

Refinery and maintenance problems are next on the list of explanations with 16 per cent, followed by concerns about the crisis in the Middle East with 13 per cent, an increase in supply and demand and lack of conservation with 10 per cent, and politics with nine per cent.

The national average price for regular gasoline reached $3.23 U.S. a gallon in May, according to the American Automobile Association. The average price was $2.79 U.S. in mid-April and $2.54 U.S. in March. Almost half of respondents say gas prices have forced them to significantly adjust their expenses and savings habits, but have not necessarily caused them a hardship.

Last month, New York senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, who is seeking the Democratic Party's presidential nomination in 2008, demanded that the government investigate the recent closure of several refineries in the country, adding, "Consumers simply cannot continue to absorb the crippling cost of these rising gas prices. (...) I am very concerned that oil companies are not being held responsible for their own infrastructure and are being allowed to pass shortages onto customers at the pump."

Polling Data

From what you have heard or read, why do you think the price of gasoline is so high right now?

Greedy oil/gas companies gouging the public	34%
Refinery problems / Need maintenance / Capacity	16%
Due to the crisis in the Middle East / War	13%
Increased supply and demand / Not conserving	10%
Politics / Government involvement	9%
No regulations / Oil, gas companies can do it	5%
Changes in seasons / Vacation / Driving increase	3%
Shortage of oil	3%
Too much dependency on foreign oil	3%
Crude oil prices	3%
Other	5%
No reason in particular	1%
Unsure	8%

Which of the following best describes how gas prices have affected you personally?

Gas prices have created a hardship for you and your family	18%
Gas prices have caused you to adjust your usual spending and saving habits in significant ways, but have not caused a hardship	49%
Gas prices haven't had much impact on your financial situation	33%

Source: Gallup / USA Today
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,007 American adults, conducted from May 21 to May 24, 2007. Margin of error is 3 per cent.