The following is from Gallup
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
- 67% of Americans, up from 52%, say gas prices causing financial hardship
- Majorities also report driving less (62%) and altering summer plans (55%)
- Economic confidence now the worst since 2007-2009 recession
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Two-thirds of Americans say recent increases in the price of gas are causing them hardship, which is up from 52% feeling this financial pinch in April. Although more Americans say they are experiencing “moderate” rather than “severe” hardship, the percentage describing the hardship as severe has risen from 14% to 22%.
The latest results are based on a June 1-20 Gallup survey. The 67% experiencing hardship is among the highest levels Gallup has found when asking this question at other times of rising gas prices since 2000. The last time it was at this level was in May 2011.
Americans’ reaction to gas prices reflects the relatively sharp increase in pump prices this year, rising by nearly a dollar a gallon in recent months and now averaging close to $5.00 per gallon nationally. Americans were paying just over $2.00 a gallon, on average, at the start of 2021.
Ask me if “they” care,