Posted on 02/15/2019 6:48:29 AM PST by mac_truck
2019 Consumer Sentiment on Gasoline Study reveals Americans more dependent on and frustrated by fuel purchases than ever before
Americans collectively spent $388 billion on gasoline in 2018, averaging to 34 million fill-ups a day. Our 2019 Consumer Sentiment on Gasoline Study that finds that the necessity, perception, and price of gasoline adversely impacts Americans across all age groups and income brackets, with a staggering 86 percent of Americans depending on gasoline for their everyday lives.
The study found that respondents categorized gasoline as a household expenditure that is more important than other major expenses such as healthcare and savings/emergency funds, only behind groceries, housing/rent, and utilities. When given the choice, respondents would rather receive a free fill-up than find $20 cash on the street or getting their dinner bill paid for.
“Gas prices are extremely volatile and hard to predict, making it difficult to budget for. Yet, it is a major necessity for millions of Americans,” said Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analyst at GasBuddy. “In 2018 we collectively spent $49 billion more on gasoline than 2017. People, no matter their age, gender or socioeconomic background, are not only frustrated by how much they pay but the options they have in how to pay.”
ADDITIONAL KEY FINDINGS:
More than half of respondents (57%) believe gas is frustrating to budget for
Nearly two-thirds (65%) say gas prices impact their ability to spend money on other items and services.
Nearly 40 percent of people say that gas prices affect their mood
Half of the respondents say that gas prices help them assess the health of the economy
63 percent of respondents believe gas prices are too high, even though gas prices are some of the lowest since July 2017
(Excerpt) Read more at business.gasbuddy.com ...
Most people buy gas every week and are very aware of the price. They might buy health care once or twice a year...
I think this is tied to freedom of association or freedom to move about in a community or across country. It’s also vital to traveling to work and other important things in our life, seeing family, friends, associates, food and other shopping, going out for recreation, and other special things.
People may say it’s more important than health care, but when push comes to shove, they’ll choose health care > IMO.
The government has big plans though. They want us off the road, and they’re even going to push automation rather than allow us to be the masters of our own destiny in the near future > IMO.
It's sort of like asking me if I'm more concerned about the cost of energy or protecting myself in case of a massive earthquake. I'll reflexively say that the cost of energy is more important to me ... but if the ground starts shaking, then all bets are off!
Yes, I agree that type of dynamic was in play.
Reminds me, I need to get the earthquake locks for my cupboard doors so my dishes and glasses will be more likely to survive an earthquake.
The tremendous amount of energy required to power millions and millions of electric vehicles is simply not there. We would have to double our electricsal power capacity at least.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.