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| abc7news.com: ABC7 Listens Poll: Gas Prices |
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ABC7 Listens Poll: Gas Prices
CommentsMay 16 ¡ª Comments from an ABC7 Listens poll on gas prices.
Key Findings
Are there any other ways you have been affected or things you've cut back on because of high gas prices?
I am a Real Estate agent and it is not as if I can not drive clients to homes and do all the other things that my profession required and most of it requirte me to drive somewhere. SO I show less homes and property and hope I have chosen well.
We plan our trips more carefully than before to minimize duplicative travel.
Not planning long road trips
Not buying my medicine's- cutting back on groceries- not going by the nursing home to see my mom.
Now I get to wonder if I have enough money to get gas to get to the pharmacy to get my overpriced prescriptions. What fun!
I commute daily from a ranch 8 miles outside of Clayton to Oakland. I owned a mini-van- getting 18 mpg. Once gas hit $2.25 or so a gallon- I made the decision to buy a Prius. Now... I'm getting 50 mpg and LOVE the car!
I'm a fixed income senior with very limited resources. While the price of gas has not yet impacted my spending- it is a concern. I've always consolidated errands but am now more aware.
Since we have a fairly low monthly income- the higher gas prices make it a little harder to make ends meet each month.
Obviously all consumer products- including food- that has to be shipped is going up in price to cover the expense of transport.
We used to take long drives but now we go out only once a month
I have cut back on taking long drives out to the country side. I have cut back on misc. spending. I do not go out to eat as often. I have cut back on expenses in general. ie. removed services from my phone- cable- cell accounts.
We coordinate our outings more now. We let our errands stack up so we can do a lot on one trip- rather then several trips.
Makes going to see clients more expensive. Forced to try to set appointments with clients who are in the same general area in given time blocks.
having to budget more tightly for my husband's medications
I tend to drive as little as possible.
drive less
we don't do as much driving- so we don't see friends and family as often as before
Not really- we try to keep our spending to a minimum regardless - so- there aren't many places we can cut.
I'm 70 yrs. old and cannot go out to socialize or even go shopping as often. I've become virtually housebound. There are no programs that help the elderly on fixed income (social security) to pay for gas. It's considered a luxury- which it is
I've cut back on my driving. I feel the gas prices are not legit so i'm not driving as much as i use to.
We are retired and on social security. It is causing hardship in every way possible. We are even skipping a meal a day! We don't feel anyone should be forced to live like this! Hard enough to do anyway!
I rent a car less often.
Staying home more
$ savings for emergencies.
Driving less. Plan my trip so that I can take care of all business on one trip and not have to make an extra trip.
I don't see the rest of my famly nearly as much and I greatly resent that!
High gas prices are raising prices for everything else- but I actually think that's beneficial.
I have a Toyota Prius so gas is not a big problem- but everthing else is more expensive because of the price of gas.
I am activly seaching for the credit card that gives the best discounts for using it at the pump. 5% rebate is the best I have found so far.
not driving as much
No- it's because my daily commute is very short - less than 10 miles.
I stack up errands and try to do them all in one trip. I have a very sick daughter who I take to dr appts and medical treatments often so I am not able to cut back as much as I would like to.
I think out my car trips more carefully
No- but don't like being gorged for gas. Hate the president for not regulating gas or encouraging the development of new fuel sources.
I am just trying to keep my driving to a minimum. Each time I drive I try to accomplish several tasks.
use independent stations for cheapest gas; taking public transit more; less descretionary money
The main thing is that I will be more determined than ever to buy a gas economical car- or a hybrid- when I replace my present one.
cutting back planned drving vacations
We try to consolidate our 'errands' and make sure we know where the lowest price gas is sold.
don't go shopping
no more going out- unless it combines many errands. Walking more- if short distance and nothing heavy to carry. No more weekend trips- ie..long drives.
I now drive at a max of 60mph and found that it really does work.
Please type your response here am walking more when short distance from home
No. (I don't drive much)
While we haven't cut back on necessities- the increase in gas prices has made us become more aware of our monthly spending. While my husband still does the same amount of driving- I try to consolidate my travels to economize my gas. Thinking about combining trips to save gas. Carpooling whenever possible.
No- I always drive a very fuel efficient small car- I take public transportation when I leave town- and If I drove one of the big hogs most people drive I would pay and quit whining- there ain't no free lunch folks.
We try to consolidate trips a little better
Not mowing the grass and field as often- also not using the gas powered weed eater.
Not really.
We make organized errand trips- no extra driving if we can help it.
Just "meter shock" at the pump!
Thinking about how I am going to buy my books for summer school at SRJC. The reserve I had has gone for gas not books. type your response here
I've cut back my tolerance for people driving solo in massive SUVs.
Using public transport more.
We don't travel as much
Attempting to drive less.
Cutting back on a medication I need to pay for gas.
We need to research alternative fuel system for our transportation needs. The Hubbert peak is predicted to be met any time in the next 5 years. When that happens oil will cost around 200 dollars a barrel. Electric-gas cars can get between 300-
No- has anyone figured out how much extra does a person really spend for the gas?
I organize errands that demand driving so I won't waste using gas.
It's very hard to make ends meet. There are times that we have not bought things that we need because we have to have gas to get to work and to Dr. appointments etc.
Gas prices are anywhere from $00.10 to $00.60 cents a gallon less in Daly City than they are at a service station near us in San Francisco. We will drive to Daly City & feel that in what we have saved- we have gotten several free fillups!
Summer vacation plans. Free Cone Day at Ben & Jerry's and Free Ice Cream Cake Day at Cold Stone Creamery. They were free- but not worth the gas price to get them!!!
We are giving up the car - my mom is not driving anymore- and I am disable.
I have cut the amount of gas I buy.
I hate driving on the freeways- but I am taking the freeway more- since cars do get better mileage on the freeway.
I am purchasing my gas at Costco instead of Shell. Also I am using 87 octane instead of 91.
Insulted.
Much more anxiety & nervousness about future...being able to purchase necessary items as well as 'fun type' stuff for my family.Higher fuel prices means higher prices for most everything. Sleep doesn't come as easily as it used to
Stopped buying gas at Brand name stations such as Shell or 76.
I purchased a Prius- hybrid- automobile
Restricted travel overseas- shorter vacations.
Having to borrow money to go on a vacation.
We don't use the car as much. We combine trips.
Many essential consumer products like groceries cost more because of the higher cost of transportation.
We don't drive to anyplace unless necessary. We think twice about driving to nearby towns for a days outing. I have to attend meetings in Sacramento and other cities for church related organizations and comm
it seems to me prices are up for a lot more than gasoline.
I bought a car last year and chose a model that requires hi-test gas. BIG mistake! Due to the prices- I have been using mid-grade gas. It may or may not be impacting my overall mileage- but is a bit less price-shocking at the pump.
My gas costs have nearly doubled. Boo hoo. I have a really great car which I will not replace because it gets great gas millage. Getting to work is so expensive that even though I love my job- I am looking for work closer to home and better
I've cut back on driving! I try to combine errands so that I make fewer trips to town. I use the telephone and email whenever possible- instead of face-to-face meetings.
Not really. I found out while traveling that the price of gas in other locations outside the Bay Area are up to $.40 less per gallon. I wait and fill up at the first low price station.
We've seen noticeable increases in the prices of food and other goods- nodoubt due to the increase of fuel costs to the provider and shipper of these products.
More planning for single trips instead of multiple trips. Ridesharing more.
We only drive when necessary ... the days of "going for a ride" are gone- even our trips to Santa Cruz have been cut down- and we only live 30 miles away- in Los Gatos.
I do much less recreational driving - to visit my children or go to dog shows- things I used to do almost every week
We leave our RV parked in the driveway and do not go to out of town cultural events.
I am wal;king more to the store when I only need a few items. I only drive if I really have to. I try to do all my shopping on just a couple days to save on gas. I have cut back on my driving by about 40 percent.
Also cutting back on necessary medicatiions
None.
Everything in general
periodically I drive our standby economy car instead of my regular vehicle- a pickup truck
I drive less because of the higher gas prices
In All just doing things closer to home & leaving the car and truck parked in the driveway. We only use the car for Needs that are not met another way.
All prices in general seem to have started to go up as well.
day trips to the surrounding cities to visit parks- museums- zoos for the children. More stay at home activities
I find it sort of depressing- because going for a drive on a lovely day- or driving to the coast- has always been a pleasant interlude for me- and at this point- I do not feel I can drive for pleasure--only for necessity. Please Dont drive as muchtype your response here
I drive as little as possible- and have a car that is very economical on fuel.
Gas prices haven't had any effect on my life style.
We are fortunate not to have to cut back on other things- but I do try to consolidate errands and do not go on Sunday drives.
Dont drive as much
I have begun to consolidate my business & work travel into longer sessions to travel less. Unfortunatley- this keeps me away from home longer and I see my family less. This is not having a good impact on my relationships.
We are aware that the cost of transportation is rising very fast- affecting the cost of almost everything which required delivery to San Francisco.
buying groceries- i try to fix meals that I can freeze for later dates
We don't go anywhere that is not necessary anymore. No trips to zoo- Marine World- Santa Cruz- etc. We stay at home.
Do more local shopping and seldom go to the mall because of the extra distance- along with not having as much money to spend at the mall because of the high gas prices .
I'm a mobile notary and have to drive to different appointments during the day and evening. High prices are cutting into my very slim earnings
Dont go as far - think twice before jumping in the car - make fewer trips to the store - actually that is better for the checkbook!
The only way I am affected by the increasingly high gas prices is that I find myself getting IRRITATED when I buy gas! :-)
cut back on visits to family... rely on email and phone calls more
Since I don't drive- the only impact upon my household budget would be the purchasing of foodstuffs- sundries and all those things transported into the CITY.
We try to not drive as much on short trips and consilidate errands
Public Transportation- Delivery Services including but not limited to the United States Post Office- Fedx- UPS- Taxicabs- services for the elderly- sick- and shut-ins in general. Diaper Service- deliveries to stores.
Have not had to cut back. My husband and I each have a three mile commute one-way to work each day. We live in Danville and work in Alamo. As a consequence- we've not been affected by gas prices.
Decided to limit some trips to save money
Air tickets
My Mom and I are definitely going out for less rides...We try to do things close by... We used to fill up the tank and purposely get loss- now we tease about every little trip and the amount of gas we are using...We plan our errands carefully.
Gas and transportations cost affect other living expenses such as food. I have also noticed higher prices of products in my day - to - day purchases.
Pi try to find the cheapest price for gas-the gas dosnt last as long as it use to .and alot of the gas makes your car run terrible.lease type your response here
Less meeting my friends on the peninsula to go running
I bought a prius
We schedule our time differently- trying to combine "errands" and set a route. We've cut back on outings/day trips. These are things we had looked forward to since retiring.
no longer leave on porch light- hallway lights- heat/air cond. is off in car & home.
Feel guilty driving
my wife and I are retired here in Boise- Idaho- so we don't have to commute to work any more. Big difference!
The increased stress is very unplesant. I feel more anxious and angry than normal.
Don't be silly.People pay more for Water in a bottle.If $2.50 will move my 3000 lb car 30 miles thats a bargin...
Bush has not helped at all- and I find him to be a very bad president- thank you.
Cut back on DRIVING!
Public Transit- which I ride is being affected as well- i.e; BART
It's all interconnected. My Soc. Sec. went up as usual in Jan.- but so did my medical co-pay- my ins. costs- the costs of medications- and now gas- AGAIN. Bush has ruined the economy for all but his friends.
I have to look for a hob closer to my house
Not yet but I do consider every trip I take now
taking Caltrain more- however they now plan to cut service drastically on the Peninsula so this will no longer be a viable option beginning in July.
At maybe a tank of gas per week- the difference in our economy Toyota isn't more than a few dollars/week. Therefore it hasn't had any effect on what we spend on. Being retired- we already shop frugally :) drive less- keep my trips shorter- stay at home more often- walk.
My child just got her drivers license and she is fortunate that we have a car for her to drive; however in less than a month- she used $75/gas. This is a new expense that I never thought would be so high.
I visit my daughter/grandchildren/and the cost of plane fare has made price the reason for fewer visits...and hopefully not the elimination of these visits...also travel by car for parent care has been a problem.
Not taking as many "get away" trips
trying to combine trips as much as possible- be more efficient
I would guess that I'm paying more for produce because of higher prices to get it delivered- but I'm not sure if that's the case or not
I've just been talking more about our (US') need to become less dependant on fossil fuels and independent of mid- east oil. Maybe higher gas prices will encourage better fuels (like methanol) to be developed and used (not hydrogen- though).
We carpool more.
plan all trips to use the car as seldom as possible.
Extra trips.
yes i need something important for the care of my mother and to get it i'd have to drive to san fran. to get it and i can't because of the cost of gas
Not as much driving. I'm walking more.
The price of gasoline effects everything that requires transportation so our travel and other exoenditures are cut back a little.
No impact. We are retired and do not commute.
I've had to sell my 2000 5th wheel which we bought new- so now our traditional family reunions have been curtailed!
If I run out of gas and the only nearby station has high price- I buy only a couple of gallons instead of buying a larger quantity.
Just more careful in planning driving (errands) so as not to cover the same territory twice in same trip.
Nothing specific- just less money in my pocket.
I view the high price of gas as a form of TAX. Not just the tax- that cost more per dollar than the cost to refine oil- but also as a tax that will pay for the cost to put our military (the Cream of our Crop) in body bags. This is so sad! Plan trips
Not been affected by price of gas nor have cut back on anything.
We have reduced the miles we drive each week.
No- not really- just can't do and buy the things that are wanted
Actually- I have been using the Golden Gate Ferry from Larkspur- it's much cheaper than any other alternative.
Just trying to coordinate daily trips for shopping/grocery etc better.
Doing things to improve fuel economy- such as not running the air conditioner- keeping a closer eye on tire pressure- etc.
I buy costco gas- and their gas is less
We are more careful about planning shopping trips- etc- so we can do 2 or 3 things or more in the same trip when we go out.
Less driving......
Cost of fuel impacts my business- I am a tour company in Silicon Valley. i am having to raise the price of tours for tour participants because the transportation companies are charging me higher rates
Walk for errands when possible/practical
Reluctant to do long road trips for vacation or business - just too costly.
Cannot visit my daughter in another state.
Can't visit my sick Dad as much as I would like to because of the high cost of gasoline. He lives 50 miles away.
Our family already takes Muni / BART as much as possible.
Less socialization with others who have to drive- but don't want to pay the prices therefore- I get together with friends that live 40 miles away less often.
I have planned my shopping trips in a more organized way since gas prices increased. When I go shopping I offer to pick things up for my Mother and married daughter. My daughter does the same for my elderly Mom and I also.
The amount of driving.
I'm planning on replacing my big gas guzzling Mercedes ML430 SUV sometime within the next 12 months.
No- I drive a hybrid.
We've cut back because of the high prices of everything- not just gas. Food has gone up higher than gasoline has.
No. I do not have that far to commute.
Prices in general seem to be rising because of the transportation costs...
bought a gas conserving car...honda civic (stick shift) that gets 38 mpg on the road
I've had to cut back on everything- basically now it's gas and rent. period. :(
Not going on as many long distance drives or local sight seeing drives
I think twice before driving any distance to shop. I'm much more likely to stay near home or work for my shopping.
I've definitely cut back on the number of trips to the grocery store and no longer drive in to town to do any big shopping. If I can't et it close by- i tend to find alternatives.
I am on a tight budget. Some of the food items that I used to buy are being changed for something cheaper. I am also a Big Brother with Big Brothers Big Sisters and the outrageous gas prices have curbed our outings and activities. It sucks!
budgeting more conservatively
Buying less- pinching penny's
The price of items will slowly increase. It's an insidious way to have one's real income reduced!
The only thing I cut back on is having faith in our so called leaders
I find alternate ways of transportation whenpossible such as sharing rides- walking or ridding a bike.
I am increasingly disturbed at the stupidity of people continuing to buy these gas-guzzling SUVs; we are so thoughtless and arrogant. We think we get to have our own way no matter what. Spoiled children.
we probably won't take as many road trips this year.
I don't do much unnecessary driving any more. No "pleasure" rides- or things like that. It just costs too much for the gas.
I'm retired and drive very little.
No more buying hookers.
My husband and I are sharing my car because premium gas for his sports car is just too pricy. This means I usually don't have a car.
Yes- changed my budget and vacation plans.
higher shipping prices- airfares- food- goods etc
An otherwise small purchas equates to several miles travel by vehicle. Its a prevelant consideration before making a purchase.
Don't drive as often or as far as I did in the past. I have had to cut back on the number of times I have taken my senior citizen friends to the doctor or the grocery store.
Tightened spending discretionary part of budget- which in general has tightened as well.
I'm very disappointed that nothing is ever done about gas prices - ever notice how profits 'go up' when gas prices go up!
We own a small business and the high cost of gas is forcing us to raise our rates to recover some of it.
I've switched from Dom Perignon to a lesser quality champagne.
I don't drive much- and have always been careful so it has no impact on me personally.
Yes- on food
I have to drive to my customer sites daily. The higher cost of gas has affected what we charge customers- and what they charge the public.
No that pretty well covers it.
I am a Union Teamster and have seen a huge drop in available work. Any time the price of oil goes up the price of puttting down asphalt goes up most major asphalt companies are working skeleton crews
Cut back mainly on discretionary spending- try to plan errands all together in one trip
I don't go shopping as much because I have to drive there. That's good thing and
I just make sure that I put a group of small trips together and go once.
not really
I am a senior citizen and drive only when i have to
Cut back on some of the driving I do for my church and charitable work. cutting driving in general.
The cost of other items has gone up. Everyone is passing the increase cost of gas back to the consumer.
Using more public transportation- including BART to visit friends in Concord- and San Jose instead of driving. Not staying out as late with our friends as we are on the above transportation methods.
The price of everything is going up. I will fly less in the future- I'm afraid.
I have had to reduce my contributions to Charities- e.g. Disabled Veterans.
Our teenage children who have to pay for their own gas have cut back on discretionary spending.
drive less and usually use the vehicle that gets the best mileage-always look for the cheapest station
I have a fuel efficient vehicle- so I have not had to alter any transportation habits.
less trips cross Bay Bridge
sometimes its gas for the work week over other necessities- like work clothing!
Cutting back on my sales territory to accomodate higher costs.
started using regular gas instead of higher octane
I don't make as many trips
not me personally- but it's very unnerving
We are just trying to spend less on the nice to have items. So far the impact has been moderate but if it continues- we will have to modify our budget and drive less.
Plan my chores more carefully to make sure I can use the least amount of gasoline- i.e. use as straight a route as possible!
We have not been driving long distances on weekends with the family.
making all my trips with my car count no joy ridding
DRIVE MOTORCYCLE 4 DAYS A WEEK. GET ABOUT 40MPH
I make a list of errands- and drive methodically from the farthest back towards home. No more jumping in the car for a quart of milk!
Changing my stock portfolio
We tend to stay closer to home on the week-ends and not travel out of town as much due to the cost of gas.
I think it is about time that we stop being so pampered. This is not the attitude that won us America- and maybe a bit of bullet biting will strength our character.
It'a a quality of life issue. Having to cut back a little here and there has been felt by everyone in the family.
I'm telecommutung more
I TRY NOT TO DRIVE TO MUCH- AND DO THINGS CLOSE TO HOME- LIKE SHOPPING
We worry much more about how we can afford things when you get older and older and prices are getting out of control. Nobody is fighting for us in the government.
Don't drive over the $3 bridges anymore- so I don't shop- eat- and go to shows in San Francisco. We spend our income in places like Walnut Creek- Lafayette- etc.
i nag my husband more to consolidate his trips
Staying home more and not traveling around the area. Limiting evenings out and visiting family and friends.
Reduced the amount of travel to weekly entertainment
Yes- not visiting my daughter in southern calif. like I would normally and not driving to other nearby cities to make my usual purchases. I am also waiting for items to go on sale and am now using coupons
My temper is worse than usual regarding oil companies.
I've used BART for a trip from San Jose to Oakland for the first time in 6 years.
trying to limit driving somewhat; also- considering more carpooling and use of CalTrain
I ride my bike more for errands now.
I am disabled and use a mobility scooter when out. I have a Honda Odyssey to haul the scooter around. Low gas mileage on the Odyssey means less outings for me.
Shopping for food-making a larger purchases- which make it harder on our weekly budget. Also combining doctor appointments
I gavw my car away
I'm being forced to be more organized - making a detailed shopping list - no more quick trips to the store - also watching my speed a lot more in order to conserve gas.
Yes- the prices on everything is going up!
Nothing.....I did buy a Hybrid in July last year though (delivered in July- put order in during April last year)
Not yet. I don't drive very much. I combine my errands with necessary trips to Drs. & dentists. I usually shop for groceries near my home.
Travel plans to see my mother were cancelled because the drive to see her in Southern California doubled in price.
Since I drive for a living and pay my own auto related expenses- my income has been radically affected. The latest figures I have show a 30% net loss in income due mostly to fuel prices.
I am more conscious of driving only when necessary. I am actually thinking of moving into the City now that rents have come down and getting rid of my car.
We travel to see family less in Southern California.
3 times a week I am supposed to go to cardiovasular rehab- however the closest rehab facility to me is 40 miles round trip. The current price of gas prohibits me from attending rehab everyday- so 2 days a week I just walk around a community pa
less driving when I drive
I drive smarter. Save up and combine my trips. Rarely drive and rarely only do one task---drive in a circle without backtracking. Try to carpool for social engagements. Less long weekend trips to visit my sister.
I have cut back on all unnecesary trips with the car. I now walk as much as it is possible.
drive farther to get cheaper gas
We have cut back on taking longer trips- and adjust the budget accordingly as with all our expenses.
I've been psychologically affected more than anything -- I don't want to drive as much- or as far- even though the price of gas doesn't affect me that much directly.
No driving other than that which is necessary. Limited recreational use.
Evaluating moving closer to work to save on gas costs
We do not own automobiles or drive. However- we have a household employee who must drive daily; her gasoline is a major expense for us.
carpooling and working remotely
Due to a back injury- I had to give up driving a compact- stick shift that consumed very little gas. I can only drive a Van with a much lower mileage to the gallon. I no longer can make short day trips which was my main source of recreation.
We've become much more efficient with driving and consolidating errands and have eliminated "unnecessary" car trips.
Weve reducing our average weekly driving miles by combining more errands.
I was laid off a year ago. I am 63 and could only find a parttime job. I have no insurance and do not go to the doctor. I only buy gas - groceries- pay utilities and rent. I am behind on rent. I only use the car to go to work and church. It's
I am afraid to tell the truth...
I try to make trips count and do as many thing as possible at one time so I don't have to go out again. Also- plan trips in an order that will save gas.
I don't go shopping to far like I used to. I also don't visit family whoa re out of town as much
We are not traveling as much. We are using the car that gets the best gas mileage more.
Having to adjust lifestyle to eliminate travel
We think before we drive anywhere that is not necessary. We have an RV and have not taken it out since the gas prices have gone out of sight.
I am unemployed and have very little money. Putting gas in the car to go to job interviews sometimes means going without food.
Not really - I'm originaly from England and gas is still cheap here
I have intentionally reduced my travel. I visit my grandkids much less.
I stop and think before I do ANYTHING that concerns driving or spending money.
All trips are lumped together into one main trip twice a week.
travel less; postpone longer trips (e.g.- visiting family in Reno) that used to be done without consideration
I actually pay more attention to trip-linking (which is good in terms of air pollution). Other than that nothing.
Mostly all the things on the previous page.
I think the psychological impact of knowing there's a finite supply of oil controlled by a few elite people sits somewhere at the back of my mind. Why aren't we actively seeking alternatives?
Since I've bought my Prius hybrid- it's not such a hardship- but now I pay as much to fill IT up as I used to pay to fill the Blazer.
I cut down on my fun trips.
I am always examining the best way to save when it comes to gas. I have not gone out as much- made my trips out of the house more "productive" and am always aware of which gas stations in the area I'm driving through have the lowest prices.
Travel to vegas
Will be selling my old Volvo which gets 17 MPG and buying a crappy used Geo which gets 37 MPG.
Affected by local businesses negative affects on maintaining their own operations.
I telecommute as often as I can.
We're not making unnecessary trips up and down our hill- such as to the store- etc.
Unable to visit grandchildren- visit doctors.
I can't drive over to see my grandbabies as often because I can't afford it. Now we have to combine trips out so we get everything done in one trip instead of when it's more convenient or over several days time.
Everything is more expensive. I am walking more- exposing myself to street activity such as illegal aliens- other criminals and undesirables - putting my life at risk.
I plan my trips to include several stops when leaving the house in place of doing several things on different days.
Groceries
We are full time motor homers and love to travel across country often. Since the high cost of diesel we haven't been able to travel in the last 5 months. I understand that it is less costly to produce diesel- so why is diesel more expensive
Will only purchase gas at Costco
I'm not doing as much "free-time" driving as earlier -- fewer trips to the beach or mountains- fewer pleasure drives. What use I make of my vehicle now is mostly business oriented- and I combine errands to lessen the amount of driving I do alt
I work in the Bay area but live 250 miles south of here. This has severly impacted my ability to go home and visit my family. Will be glad when I can retire and go home permanently.
My children don't get to be taken out or to their friends houses as often anymore. I can't go see my wife for lunch as often- due to the length of the commute and the cost of driving there.
We just don't drive as much- but here in the city- without parking- we have to drive daily to ensure that we're not ticketed all the time. We have an economical vehicle- so we only fill up once every couple of weeks- but it would be less with
not visiting my family in Antioch so often; cutbacks affected previous job - found new one in Oakland - now commute from san bruno/Oakland daily; bridge tolls go up- gas prices go up - everything but my salary - downward spiral re quality of life
We havnt cut back on anything. We just take it in stride. There isnt much we can do about it.
we do nottravel as much for recreation.
heating our home with the high gas price is alot harder. High gas prices raise the price of everything.
Reduction in needed medical transporta tion is very difficult.
I drive less.
My husband drives for a major home construction corporation. He drives from CLoverdale to Merced and Sacramento and surrounding areas everyday. As you can imagine- his costs are extreme and the company helps pay some of the gas cost.
trying to sell my pick-up
just driving
No. Although- I certainly do not like paying these astronomical prices.
I've taken to buying regular instead of higher octane.
Confirmed my decision to buy a hybrid car. I wish there were more American choices. Guess they put their bets on the SUVs and trucks... dumb again. I guess Mercedes / Chrysler might survive! Funny since they were the bailout 20+ years ago!
I've cut back on visiting my family in Marin Country and Modesto. Round trip to Modesto costs about $25. This is something to think about.
We have bought a more fuel efficient vehicle and take public transportation whenever possible.
Just think about it more and think about driving certain places before we do it
We have not changed our life style at all.
We're consolidating trips we make to the store and around town. We are looking at flying instead of driving on vacation. We're looking at buying a hybrid vehicle when we replace one of our vehicles in the next 12 months or so.
Taking the bus alot more- general shopping for typical needs is done alot less- shopping closer to home or at cheaper places.
Think more about making small unnecessary trips--combine errands into groups rather than going whenever I think of it.
less travel to see my daughter
I try as much as possible to combine most of my errands for the week in one trip.
Used to "enjoy" going for a drive to visit local areas - beaches- parks- etc. I no longer do this.
in a way- the price of fruit and vegetable has doubled because of higher transportation cost so i can't buy as many fruit and vegetables or I choose more carefully what i buy other things have gone up because of higher gas price so it cut dow
Stopped unneccessary driving.
yes- looking for a part time job- even if it's seasonal or 1 day or survey
Causes fights with my husband over use of too much gas.
Not at this time. I use a company truck more than before the high prices.
Less money to purchase books at Amazon.com
No because we use public transit to commute to work whch costs more than the gas (Caltrain and BART)
Because of the high gas prices I do not volunteer as a driver on my childrens school field trips. I also don't go to the movie theaters any more- instead I do Netflex. I am not the only one either. Everyone in my family does the same too.
No more drives in the country on the weekends and stopping for lunch-
Not only is there less money in my pocket to spend on necesseties- but the prices of those items are going up to reflect their need to pass the rise in fuel prices on to the consumer.
Trying to make fewer driving trips
Don't take Sunday drives anymore. Limit my driving to necessary driving only.
Eventually high gas prices will affect more than what I put in my car. I've cut back on driving to work and take public transportation instead.
Fortunately I have recently retired. I also have a nice income so impact on me is minimal.
I try not to drive and take public transportation to work now.
My current auto is old and has some mechanical problems that may be costly to repair so I'm considering replacing my vehicle. Due to gas prices I'm thinking of a more gas efficient vehicle or a dual fuel car such as Toyota's Prius (c
fewer long trips to see friends and relatives
In December 2004 I purchased a Toyota Prius because of the high gas prices and my desire to reduce emissions into the atmosphere. Even with the Prius- I am worried about the cost of gasoline.
I'm unemployed and can't travel very far for a job interview. My mother has had to cancel medical appointments which were out of the immediate area. We wear our clothes twice before laundering them...
Job-hunting is determined by location. Necessary trips- such as grocery shopping. post office....etc. are planned.
I don't have a choice but to drive. I do however have good gas mileage .
NO- THE COST OF GAS IS STILL A SMALL PART OF THE OVERALL COST OF DRIVING.
A way I've been affected is wondering when this country's Congress is going to spend significant gov't money on research on energy efficiency/alternatives- pass laws requiring more energy efficient motor vehicles- and eliminate tax cuts for oi
it is becoming an obstacle to getting my start-up company off the ground and retarding the rate at which I can hire staff
I've very seriously looked into getting a Ford Escape hybrid.
I PURCHASED A NEW PRIUS
Increases in gas price has not affected me all that must- because I drive a Toyota. But as gas price increase everything else increases- such as food cost- and therefore- I am affect in an indirect way.
To save gas- I have stopped shopping outside of my immediate area- visiting friends more than a few miles away- taking impromtu short trips with the kids.
number of pleasure trips like a drive on Sunday.
My stress level is much higher! I keep wondering if the prices will ever top out.
our trips out of town have been seriously scaled back......
Increased shipping rates have decreased the profit margin of my home business (at least on small orders).
Debt service- contributions to retirement savings.
Concidering a buying a car with better mileage
I am disabled. By not driving to visit friends and getting to doctor appointments on a regular basis has been very hard on my physical and mental wellbeing. funded services have been cut back & priced higher.
I am considering taking Caltrain and then walking to work.
I'm taking more public transportation- and combining trips when possible.
At work the fleet account has increased by over 75 percent.
I combine errands to coincide with trips to and from school . Rarely drive to the grocery as a separate /single destination. I fill the tank of our mdx with regulary gas not premium...
I'm just not driving as much.
Less discretionary cash...
Less purchases of goods & services. fired gardner. not looking for vehicles anymore. wondering how am I going to pay taxes next time around. cutting back on food etc.
I'm on SSI and with gas at over 2.50 Gl. I can hardly afford to start my engine in the morning
I try to drive less-- consolidate my trips to town or going out. Plan not to take any long driving trips.
STRESS. This adds alot of stress not just money wise- but the feeling that we are being taken advantage of is worse.And with California being so much higher than other states makes it so much more unfair. Not everyone in California has a lot o
Less customer service visit calls.
I write to politicians more because there is no ggod reason we are spending this much money in Iraq when there are more important problems right here at home.
The increased cost of gas is slowly fitering down to increased costs on basically everyting- especially primary need items like food-
My son purchased a motorcycle to commute with.
I used to do some part time mystery shopping which is no longer cost effective due to the high cost of gasoline to get to and from the places I shop.
Considering selling the car
Have started assisting a family member with gas money.
I feel that our government is not doing enough to keep the cost of gasoline down both nationally and locally.
Our family has adjusted our lifes so that our daily commute miles are low. My husband and I have less than 10 minute coummutes.
I'm not as generous with my friends as I used to be. I'd rather have money for gas than treat someone to lunch or a movie.
the commute is becoming very expensive and taking Bart adds almost 45 extra minutes to a 1 hour commute.Please type your response here
This countries energy policy is dead wrong. Neither party has a solution or cares. Sending money to the enemeny- financing bad people and causes with US $. Energy companys are not ethical companys...worse than Standard Oil that start anti-
usual monthly gas is ok- but recently inlaws are staying with us and we've been making several long trips with them- it is killing us!
Weekend pleasure trips to takie photos and have family hikes- not so much with gas close to $3 a gal.
Not travelling on weekends as much.
We're driving less and using our Hybrid car more than our other car.
Yes- I'm self employed and I feel I have lost clients due to economic hardships caused by high prices.
Less long distance travel to visit family
Being self employed- fewer people are spending on discretionary items like concrete driveways.
No because- coming from Europe- I don't regard US gas prices as high. In fact I regard them as artificially low.
I try to do everything in one day on the weekend and shop enroute home from work when I need groceries rather than make a weekend trip. I don't see as many friends.
My work depends upon travel. I am self-employed. I will need to increase my fees to my customers to compensate for thr increaed fuel costs. i exspect this to have significant effect upon my business
I don't drive unless I have to and now alot time to do many things in one trip.
buying a new tv-the old one is from 1987 I had to start a weekend job The dog now eats cat food.
Postponed travel plans- only gas up every other week- limit shopping and any other family business/travel until later on...
I am staying home as much as I can and not driving anywhere extra
Day trips are out. I am more careful about just getting in the car and driving across town. Now I think how to do it with another activity.
I am on disability so I am under house arrest due to money flow problems
We plan our outtings more carefully- so we don't waste mileage- and we use our smaller car when needed. we nPlease type your response here
I try to combine my errands in order to cut down on driving time
I don't fill up my tank all the way anymore - can't afford the giant hit unless it's payday!
driven less
At this time the high cost of gasoline just makes me angry. I use public transportation for work and I will be travelling about 70 miles this summer for transportation. I certainly can afford the high gasoline cost.
I am largely housebound- and do not drive. I am more reluctant to ask friends for rides unless they offer- and thus spend more for cabfare than had been usual.
Because I am retired and on a fixed income- the increase in gas prices really hurts.
Reconsider formerly frequent trips to visit family in So. California; not driving south for this Mother's Day.
Don't drive as much as I used to.
I make sure that I combine trips together. I drive a lot less.
coordinate our needs to use car for as m any things as possible in one trip.
I think twice aboiut driving somewhere-try to consolidate errands
I only drive when ther is no other way to do things--I buy gasoline at Costco and drive a five speed
Driving to visit family less frequently. Fixed-income- retired parents are really struggling. They need to see doctors once-twice a week due to chronic health problems. We children- and even their grandchildren- are helping them pay for gas
Not yet- but if the price of gasoline continues to increase- eventually- I'll have to cut spending elsewhere.
I only put gas in when I'm on E and i never fill up
Overall Comments
Government will fool around and prices will not go lower. There is little or no incentive for the government people to work to lower prices till they understand by being there the impact it has on family and business. THey are way over paid to play gam
Alternative energy research is key. I would favor increased use of nuclear power for generating electricity and aggressive publickly-owned research into cold fusion and fuel cells: a 21st Century TVA.
I have been using public transit for about 1 year because of traffic- but I do see more people using public transit.
US Energy policy hasn't done anything since before the oil Embargo of the 70's. We must reduce our dependence on foreign oil imports.
The oil companies are making money- reports show that- but the price isn't coming down. Why is it that Safeway can sell gas at 2.47 and Chevron sells it for 2.67? And it comes from the same refrinary?
How about you ask how many people in the Bay Area are aware of Peak Oil?
The Bush dynasty has been involved in the corporate energy industry for decades. The current energy "crisis" is a deliberate manipulation of the market in order for the existing players to continue t o control the market .
The profits made by the major oil companies are ridiculous and excessive...We can get all the crude we need but cannot process it because of the lack of oil refineries; no new ones in 30 years and the closure of many others. The merging hurts competition.
The wording of your poll was biased- and did not give enough options to answer.
Oil companies have been disinclined to invest in new refining facilities so as to keep the supply low- and the price high. The Federal and State governments know this- and give the wink and the nod. Their pockets get lined with the fruits of our labor.
Instead of wasting time on SSA destruction- GWB should be putting in place "fast track" renewable energy projects. ALL the experts agree that" Peak Oil" WILL HAPPEN within 15 years. Why wait for it to be Critical?
We use one vehicle for the two adults in this household. Our average mileage is always less then 10-000 miles. China- India and other developing economies are driving the prices as the supply is being used. To survive the USA must develop alternative
The president and congress are useless in affecting any positive change for the 'people' (and it doesn't matter who is president). They work for the lobbyists.
Drilling in the Arctic is exactly what Bush wanted. He's making sure that he secures his and his families future at all costs. First he took Sadam's oil now the Arctic. Heaven help us!
California has so many taxes attached to the cost of gasoline...that's what makes it higher here then anywhere else in the country. It just doesn't seem fair.
I know California is an open target for Bushco and their policies- but with gasoline so much higher than the rest of the country is proof we are being hosed. What do you expect from two good 'ol oil boys running the country- with an idiot like Ahh-nold ?
Would buy a hybrid if I could afford it. Most people would. Few people can.
with China and india's increasing demand for oil- we really need to reduce our own demand. Instead of tax cuts for oil co.- put them into the developement of alt. rms of energy
High gas prices aren't necessarily bad. In a capitalistic system- higher oil prices should have the effect of improving the viability of alternative energy. In addition- it should make more efficient vehicles more economically attractive.
One way to conserve gas would be to stop the war in Iraq. All the gas being used there would produce a glut on this market and force the lowering of prices.
I still feel that Pres. Bush and our Governor are doing nothing to help resolve this problem. Higher gas prices means more money for Bush.
fuel companies are enjoying triple digit profit increases; all other industries dependant on fuel comsumption are tanking; major US car manufactures may be asking for bail-outs soon due to diminished demand; where are Congress and the CA legislatures?
Some questions difficult in our situation- as we cannot afford a new vehicle! Our truck is old- and being on social security- our funds are extremely tight!
Long ago it became obvious that alternative forms of energy are needed.Several cities like SF have gone thru major reconst. Solar energy should have been installed on the new bldgs.Auto manufactures could have built alternative fuel cars & trucks-no disea
Exempt Oil company's from EPA rules if they build more refineries.
"W" is laughing all the way to the bank!
Our leaders must (1) seek alternative fuel systems and (2) help us - no- force us - to be frugal in the use of fuel- both to conserve the fuels we have and to tame their effect on global weather conditions. Bush can only handle one thought at a time.
The added cost of gasoline will change our lifestyles- I know how to handle it... Most Americans don't know how- nor care... The new generation is bent on living in a disposable society... To do without is harder for them- no one is teach them how to...
I would like to see an investigation into the the oil companies selling domestic oil to other countries and then having to import oil from abroad. I would also like to see the building of some new refineries.
Have you heard there's a war on? Did you know that there was an ammendment to the las (undebated) waar appropriations bill that mandates drivers licence information be collected into a national database? Your license will become an internal passport.
There is a long-range strategy that America should consider- decreasing our dependence on gas altogether. The economic effects of gas are a result of our reliance on it- not anything special about gas itself.
Keep up the good work!!!
You completely missed the major cause of high gasoline prices. We need more refineries. Plenty of oil is being produced for our current need. We just don't have the capacity to refine it.
Over last 30 years- US government has done nothing to reduce oil conumption or foreign oil imports? Our government is beslaved to the big oil companies and special interest groups. No program in renewable fuel- clean fuel or nuclear power plants.
I think the government in Wash DC doesn't care what happens in CA. That was also proven by what happened with the electrisity problems- I still remember Chaney's "joke"- what is the difference between CA & the Titanic?
In Norway gas is 6.66 per gallon and there are huge surcharges on SUVs. We should do the same thing here. There is no real need for those huge gas guzzling machines.
I blame the president and congress for our gas predictment. This has been an ongoing problem and they have not done anything because they are are in the pockets of the gas companies.
As a retired person living on a very fixed income- the high price of gasoline is a real problem to me. I worry that it will continue to increase. I see no reason for it to come down and this upsets me.
Jimmy Carter told us the loudest to avoid dependence on oil and we can't do anything about it if oil interests ultimately steer US policy.
Having lived in Europe for several years- I realize how spoiled we are in the US. I have always maintained that the minimum price per gallon in the US should be at least $5.00. I have also been threatened with a quick death
A president who did not allow FERC to help California during the crisis is not going to implement improved energy policies.
WE ARE PAYING THE PRICE OF INATTENTION BY GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS WHO NEED TO TOUGHEN FUEL STANDARDS AND ENCOURAGING DOMESTIC PRODUCTION.
Unfortunately- where we live- there is no public transportation; nor can we walk to the grocery store- etc. We solely rely on the car for everything. And- exploring for more sources- etc. should have been done long ago. wow- timely topic.
I thihnk that the price should go UP- so it was difficult for me to answer some of the questions. Only when gas hits $4 a gallon will we see a real change in American consumption patterns.
Why is diesel so high in Ca. It is the first thing off of the refinery. The trucking companys should stop delivering in Ca until the prices of diesel come down or add a significant fuel charge.
the govener needs to do more -even if it is to go to washingtom and tell them how much California people are getting the bulk of the gas problem-even those we are over poputaed more then some of the other states.
Gasoline (oil) is running out- and we need to do something else. So it's probably good that prices are rising. But it's the rich oil baron bastards making the money here- which Bush thinks is just dandy.
When prices dropped below $50/barrel recently- my gas price remained the same. And- as always- I anticipate the big oil companies to tell us that they have record profits yet again!
I purchased a Honda Civic Hybrid over 2 years ago. I retired last year- which has reduced the miles that I drive. Both have helped to offset the higher fuel prices.
People seem to think they can drive a car like a Sherman Tank if they want to- and oil companies will always find a new supply of gas. They will- but now they are going after pristine wilderness to feed our greed for cheap gas.
Washington has little or no effect on what the oil companies do- and Sacramento has even less. If anything- either one would probably screw it up even worse.
I remember the gasoline "shortage" which drove prices up in 1973. The shortage- then as now- was the oil refineries withholding gasoline from the market. They had oil tankers anchored off shore which could not be unloaded because all the tanks were full
I think that California should use the same gas as the rest of the country. I think the Air Resources Board is a crock!
Bush as President has cost the consumer too much hardship. The previous President had his mind working on altertives for cars and gas. Bush is big business and is destroying this country and the world.
The "problem" is simply the lack of new refineries built on the West Coast. What Calf. we need is more capacity to refine the heavy crude oil we extract on the West Coast ON the West Coast-now done in Texas. We lack the local capacity to refine it!
I don't like the "little or no impact" questions. Those should be two different answers. I'm 37 years old and I drive 55MPH on the freeway. It feels a little weird- but I get much better gas mileage.
The oil in the Alaska wildlife park would only take care of less than one year of gas needs- therefore it makes no sense in the long term to drill there.
China is consuming more and more oil. We need alternative fuel or all the gains of the last century will be for naught. Jimmy Carter in 1979 gave a speech and laid out a bold energy plan to be off foreign oil by the year 2000 by going to renewables.
The overall cost of gas is a real bargin compaired with the costs of everything else. Even sharp increases represent only a small overall cost tp most people.
I noticed the state and local taxes charged when fueling up. They are significant. Where is that money going? They should be going to road repair and other transportation. That would be a good subject to reasearch.
I feel that the price in Ca. is not right. We were able to buy gas in KY. last week for $2.02 while gas here was $2.63. There should not be that must difference from one part of the country to another especially when oil is actually found here in CA.
Service stations should be checked regurarly for price gouging. The Shell station near us is higher than the ARCO station in Daly City. Prices should be uniforn with in the same company.
I didn't go to the Free Cone Day at Ben & Jerry's and Free Ice Cream Cake Day at Cold Stone Creamery this year because of high gas prices. They were free- but not worth the gas price to get them!!!
I think it obscene the profit that the oil companies are making. However- with the amounts they (especially Chevron & Mobil) have contributed to the Republican Party- nothing will be done about it.
I am hoping they will come up with better transportation for the disable and elderly.
Gas prices are beginning to fall and will not be run higher due to summer travel. Open up Alaskan north for oil exploration. Milk costs 4 dollars per gallon and bottled water even more. So what's the problem?
The U. S. has vast amounts of oil reserve. Stop buying oil from the Saudis and stop selling what oil we have to other countries. It's time we think about our country and it's citizens and less about everyone else.
Drilling and polluting for more oil will not help now and is not an intelligent choice for the future.Oil is a FINITE resource(once it's gone it's GONE!)The only intelligent-patriotic choice is Renewable- alternative fuels.
If the price of gas was true- the oil companies would not be making record profits.
We are importing 12 million barrels per day of oil; at $50 per barrel that's over $200 billion of our trade deficit. It's very important that we increase mileage standards for cars sold in the US. Hybrids are the way to go.
We need more and better mass transit- and more support of more fuel-efficient auromobiles.
The oil companies have things just the way they want them-- too little refining capacity- little or no competition- favorable Aministration climate for big corporations-- & then they use the extra profits to buy other oil companies!
Bush- the Texan- has always favored big oil as he received major support form it. So its no wonder that they are allowed to charge what the traffic will bear and make huge profits.
The high gas price is also due to the high profits of the gas companies. They should not have any profits first. If they HAVE to have some- then it should be minimal. Everyone needs to suck it in including their high paid CEO's and higher ups.
Makes it hard to be involved in charity work with cost of driving so high.
You do not address the issue of refinery production/output. I believe the problem in California is not that there is not enough oil- it's that the oil companies have not built new refineries to keep up w/cunsumer DEMAND- thus- a false "low supply."
scwarinazi ought to give up his gas guzzling hummers. Also- since I'm retired now- I don't drive nearly so much. But this nonsense puts a hitch in my gitalong.
As usual- this Administration places its emphasis on the wrong 'solution' to the problem. They provide more and more tax breaks for guzzling SUVs and oil companies- but NO real drive toward conservation and/or alternative fuels.
As a disabled person with severe mobility impairments- I really depend on my car. I wonder if there will someday be assistance or price discounts made to disabled people and wonder if that would seem fair to other drivers.
Business in the United States is based on a Free Market Economy. Politicians need to stay out of trying to fix what they perceive to be a pricing problem. Look at Social Security- a classic pyramid scheme- and the Bay Bridge.
I believe the fake shortage and subsequent rise in crude oil prices are a scam run by the Muslim religious fanatics that attacked us on 9/11. They control OPEC- and will squeeze us for all they can get.
The bottle neck is in refinery capacity- not oil supply. The barrel price has decreased- but refinery capacity is at 100%. It is this that is driving the price up.
The only thing I do not like about your poll is that your questions are overly simplistic regarding a much more complicated issue.
I drive a 10-yr old car that still gets 30 mpg; due to gas prices- I'm putting off the purchase of a new car.
We are approaching "Peak Oi". Usage in China- India will more than offset production from ANWR. Keep gas prices high to force the development of new technologies more quickly and to force a change of lifestyle for all. Save ANWR for a last resort.
The price of all things we buy from outside the US will always be a lower price until every level adds on their profit- then it becomes so high because of greed from the oil companies.
There was no question on the effect of the strict environmental special fuel recipe in California. This could be changed to help the situation.
Government needs to step in and demand the oil industry lower prices and stop the price gougging of consumers. The oil industry is living by their own greedy standards and taking advantage of all their customers. Government should pass laws to prevent t
I am ANGRY that we (Californians) are paying the highest prices for gas in the county. I want answers...... WHY? What is being done about it?
WHy don't people shop around here? if we can't be bothered to drive across the corner to a staton that's 10 cents cheaper- we can only blame ourselves.
The real problem is lack of refineries- not lack of crude.
The price of gas is high because of the different formulations and the lack of new refineries. In other words it is the environmentalists fault. And as usual this poll completely ignored there part in this problem. ABC is showing its bias again.
It gets annoying to see that when oil prices go up ever so slightly- the price per gallon of gasonline increases immediately. When the price of oil dropped approximately $4 per barrel- the price per gallon of gasoline barely creeped down.
Drilling in the artic will not help solve our problem. WE have to reduce our use so drilling up there is not necessary. We are destroying our world for the buck.
I feel Electric Hybrd or and other Fuel type of cars should be more pushed in the US and do AWAY with OIL and GAS fuel RUNNING CARS for the around town type of use and put more support in for Electric and other use cars. The SMOG would greatly decrease .
Prices of gas are a result of many factors including the taxes imposed by the government on gas and other oil products. CA has always had more taxes on gas and less refineries in a state that is close to the top in miles traveled per person.
We have had three gas stations (El Camino in Sunnyvale) closed in the past three months which has reduced the competion and increased the price of gas here. ARCO at El Camino and Mathilda- Chevron at El Camino at Mary and an independent station on Evelyn
This is an very important topic- and one that we must deal with- sooner better than later- or I fear the consequences will be severe.
No sane country would allow gas-guzzling SUV's or- worse- Hummers on their roads. I would vote for a law that outlawed Hummers.
Yout lrft wing liberal bias is obvious in your poll questions. I don't watch your news for the same reason- learn to report not pontificate.
Need more oil refineries!!!!
The current Alaskan oil goes to Japan anyway. SUVs & trucks not actually needed by buyers should be taxed heavily. Congress should require the same standards for those as for autos. New refineries should be encouraged.
I find it suspect that the oil companies are posting record profits while claiming that they cannot afford to reduce prices.
Please tell whoever it is to stop talking and get moving on building those new refinerys!!!
The Oil companies deny that they can adjust the price of gas- and yet they are pulling in record profits.
Gas prices are just not high enough to have an influence on people's driving habits. I think it will take a price of at least $3.50 before anyone seriously considers conserving or using mass transprotation. Gas is still the cheapest option.
The state has little or nothing to do with gasoline prices. If Nevada and Arizona all used the same type of gasoline as California this would help cuts costs. Right now the refineries have to make different grades of gasoline for these different areas.
The U.S should sell cars and trucks that run on Diesel fuel because the millage is better.
It drives me crazy that our fuel that we develop here in this state is more due to taxation but the fuel that is trucked into Georgia costs my inlaws less - does not make sense really - it seems we have gone way overboard in this state with the regs.
I think the US needs to find alternative energy resources so that we are not dependant on foreign oil. Not buying oil from the middle east would get their attention better than military action ever could.
I think there is plenty of oil in the Middle East and other parts of the world that can be used rather than destroying scenic parts of our country (Alaska). I think stronger government sanctions against the oil barons (or sheiks) would help
We needed to take mesures to reduce consumption 20 years ago... now we will pay the price--pun intended. A sad pun...
I believe that if we waive all the taxes added to the gas price it would help more than trying to regulate the price.
Both State & Federal governments are presently in the business of increasing the incomes of those with the clout and reaching into the pockets of the down-trodden in doing so.
I think the oil rich countries are stangling the U.S. because the U.S. won't get out of trying to regulate their religious beliefs.
Follow the money. The pre-paid for whores in Sacramento and D.C. will ALWAYS do the bidding of those who really pay their salaries and the media will ALWAYS cover Michael and Brittany instead.
This will also increase the cost of services like the Police- Firefighters- Teachers and other public servants as well as regular everyday working people.
My husband and I used to own a Chevron and an Exxon station. There is definitely collusion going on between the companies on manipulation of prices. It's a shame they feel it's necessary to do this.
Wealthy get wealthier at the expense of the the middle and poorer classes fit into the priorities of Bush and his cohorts. High gas $ have resulted in unmatched profits for oil men like Bush. More Enron type greed while speaking of values and God!!
Be nice if you folks in the media REALLY looked at the costs of energy. In the short term- a very large part of costs are due to traders gaming the system- just like small Enrons. More supply- like ANWAR and Gulf o Mexico are very important- along with H2
Public transportation for the person who lives in the bay area is almost or more important than gas prices. With the state budget cuts of the last couple of years- service on SF Muni- BART and GG Transit have are worse than ever. Why don't you report on
On the Artic National Wildlife Reserve- President Bush seems to forget that this will add maybe 3-5% additional fuel to the world supply. In other words- not enough to effect the price on the world market.
Alternative fuel sources!
Just curious as to why CA gas prices are highest in Nation- and Bay Area highest in the State! Politics? CA not Bush Country?
There needs to be fewer huge gas guzzling SUV's on the road. If people used public transportation or tried walking instead of driving everywhere- pollution might decrease- gas prices might go down and bus and train fares might decrease.
Diesel gas is used by many people but never addressed on tv news or in these types of polls.
Stop making SUVs
First KGO- thanks for allowing me to vent. I I love CA. but we can't live there anymore- the cost of living there is too high for us old folks. The cost of gas is but one pronblem.I feel that our President Bush is a dummy who has no idea what to do.
If we had enough money to buy a new car- we would. The gas situation has a greater impact on lower income people and Bush could care less about our needs and wants.
Lower taxes on gas-Build refineries-nuclear power plants-and more drilling for oil is a start...
With regards to public transportation- I would say that most people would be willing to take it if it's readily available. Because of the way Bay area is- I will never ever be able to take trains to work. Stark contrast compared to countries like Japan.
Your questions- as usual- are too simplistic. They also do not agree with reality. For example- your question about whether I buy regular or premium gas....I have three cars- two of which require premium- and an SUV that runs on regular.No change!
The government is trying to make the price go up because they are supported by oil cartell.
Gas prices in CA are so high because we have some of the most strict environmental restrictions! Meeting these high standards costs more!!
The supply of Crude Oil is drying up. I work ion the oil industry- so I can qualify what I say. We need to start "today" alternative fuel sources- and methods of transportation. Take the exploration monies- and build a viable public transit- like Japan!
Why cant anyone figure out why the oil companies are logging record profits while the price of gas continues to go up ? Also- how can gas go up five to ten cents a week- but only drop two-three cents in three weeks ?
I drive a full size diesel truck and get 21+ mpg. We needed to build more refineries starting ten years ago. We need to allow fuel refined in other states to be sold in CA. We need to engineer traffic to flow more smoothly and quickly. Stopped = 0 mpg.
Gas is always an issue as the summer vacation season begins. But- this is now compounded by having a president and vice-present who can attribute their great fortunes to oil. Coinsidence?
To reduce the dependency on oil- we should be looking at public transportation options. Caltrain cutting services is the exact WRONG approach. They have virtually eliminated the public transportation option from the Peninsula.
"Google" what Europe pays for gas- we've had it easy! Gas is about as expensive as bottled water! We need to support alternative energy- get out of those SUV's and EXPECT to pay more for energy!
People driving gas guzzling SUV such as Yukons- Hummer- Suburbans- should be taxed higher than people who buy what they need to get their families around. Too many people driving big SUV's for not reason other than status.
It is ludicrous to think that the automotive industry and our desire to drive bigger cars should be dictating our foreign policy. It's time congress got back in the drivers seat and mandated minimum gas milage for all vehicles.
I've heard the Alaskan pipeline was built to bring oil to US for US- but there are no deep-water ports on W. Coast to receive huge tankers that bring it. Why not build 1+ deep harbor and at least solve W.Coast prices? That oil goes oversees-wrong!
No matter what the question- the answer is to get Pres. Bush out.
This is free enterprise working as it was designed. To regulate the industry via government intervention would amount to socialism.
You didn't comment on the lack of funding for building of new refinerys. THAT is key to reducing the bottleneck of processing the available oil as well as processing special (winter/summer) blends.
I believe that the high price of gas is actually good as it make people conserve (drive less & buy hybrids) and it also makes alternate sources more cost effective in comparison. We should have a gas tax that goes directly for alternative fuel subsidies.
I think that the failure of the government to aggressively promote conservation (via tax policies) is absolutely criminal. The "gas guzzler" tax should be reinstated!
The bigger issue of our needs for alternative sources of energy for transportation- heating- lighting- etc. needs more attention. The term replaceable energy needs to be emphasized and possibly imposed. Nuclear be OK for the near term but other sources --
California's gas tax is too high. It is used for things other than improving our road network or our mass transit. Your poll makes it difficult to separate what the President is doing and what Congress is or isn't doing: you lumped them together.
California has so many 'boutique' gasoline formulas- this causes our prices to be outrageous.
Of course gas prices are manipulated by the oil companies- their PROFITS are at RECORD HIGHS. Profits are defined as the "difference between income and costs". If prices were adjusted only according to costs- then profits would stay the same.
Keep it Real.
With the high profits oil companys are enjoying now- there is no question that they are gouging us- and nobody in govt. gives a rats ass!!!!!!!
the bushes have oil we have a demand. use your brains people he is in league with the saudis. whose company closed the pipleline deal in the middle east just the day we invaded hmmm BUSHS company did
I would like to see the government impose more taxes on SUVs and other large recreational vehicles. I would also like to see more tax subsidies on hybrids and other gas friendly technolgies.
I giggle every time I hear of some member of elected government saying they are going to start of probe into high gas prices... give me a break! What good has all that rhetoric done any of us? Thanks for listening.
We should place additional taxes on gasoline- to fund the research for alternatives to gasoline powered automobiles. As far as drilling in the Arctic- or any other wilderness area- what little oil is there is not worth polluting the area.
The UN and the oil producing nations have us over an OIL BARREL. How much of the US's 25% funding of the oil for food program went to kill our courages fighting force? It's time to stop allowing our wonderful country be dictated by the UN. Stop CAFTA !
The liars promised us cheap gas and enough revenue from Iraq to pay for the reconstruction. What we have are potholed roads- gas approaching $3.00 and schools with no money while cheney-bush cabal is laughing all the way to the bank with saudi complicity.
I don't think the price of gas is too high. Prices of gas in other nations are higher than here. The price of gas has not kept up with the rate of inflation. Talking about the price of gas is just a way to get ratings.
The first important task to do is to increase the gas mileage requirements across the board- then- long term- institute a crash program to develop solar and wind energy programs- with rebates and credits for companies and individuals to push this.
My concern over higher gas prices might increase with future increases in interest rates driving up my HELOC payments and upcoming changes to minimum credit card payments all reducing my discretionary $.
I really do not think it would be any different with whomever gets into office- I myself thing it will be the same way- unless they would get someone that is extra honest
Take Public Transportation- it's cheaper than driving and we have a great bunch of systems in the Bay Area.
Do enough or not questions should allow a nothing can be done. Gasoline price should go higher with higher Fed tax that fluctuates to equalize price- and allow a tax credit for low income families.
Getting the US out of the middle east- and allowing the UN to do their job will go a long way toward stabilizing the oil producing region- and should bring down oil prices. I blame the current gas price situation on Bush and his oil conglomerate buddies.
We are lucky to work from the comforts of home and commute only a little. To anyone who commutes a long distance though the high price of gas can be devastating to their finances- especially those who do not make too much.
Why do we all rely on the govt. to correct market problems. Nothing they do will solve the problem of increasing fuel costs. SUVs get a bad rap. Vans are just as much gas guzzlers- so are sports cars......check the numbers.
Fossil fuels are a finite resource. Developing and phasing in the alternatives over time will lessen the impact on the economy than waiting until they are almost gone.
My desire is to switch to altrnative fuel and hybrid cars. Remember Bush's recent visitor to his ranch- The Sadis? I don't believe for a minute Bush has anyone's interets in mind- but making money and ruining our seas and land in the process.
1)Two years ago- gas station owners predicted that soon gas would reach $3 a gallon to generate higher profits for station owners and oil companies. 2)Each citizen should be allowed a specific and equal number of gallons of gasoline per week.
Our war in Iraq is our administration's attempt to secure cheap oil for the American future without "rocking the boat" by investing in alternative energy research. Their attitude: Why fix it if it's not broke yet?
There must be incentives on car companies on both state and federal level to make more fuel effecient cars. Encourage & give prizes for the invention of other technologies for propulsion.
We need more refineries. Without them- only so much oil can be refined.
All that government (federal- state) can do is to incentivize energy efficiency. It cannot create more natural resources. It would be helpful if more of our governmental leaders weren't owned by the "asphalt industry."
Between the gas prices- medical costs and the deficit I might as well plan to work until I am 85.
Thanks for the opportunity to sound off against the environmentally disastrous policies of this administration!
Some auto companies would prefer our country to drive only on petrol fuel whereas we can use solar and electric cars - hybrids are the beginning. Depending on only oil is insane.
policies at state and US levels favor big business and need to be reversed to favor consumers. of course with the GOP leadership at US level and "AH-nold" here to veto anything; fat chance of any change favoring consumers happening any time soon.
Add $1 tax to each gallon of gasoline and use the revenue for public transportation.
It seems like the people that can do something about the price of gasoline are not really interested because their incomes support the cost of gasoline. My thoughts are with the people making minimum wage and have older cars that might not be economical.
I think more of the public population should organize and stand firm on gasoline boycotts. Let these stations know how fed up we are about these price increases and decreases(??).
It's surprising to me that this country has no gas conservation policy. We don't even talk about it. No one even seems to care about the gas prices going up. Public transportation in California is too slow for me. I'm sticking with my car.
Why do you ALWAYS pick on the price of gas? Why is it okay for networks to charge large amounts for commericals? Never hear you mentioning that! Why does cable cost so much? Why does food cost so much? Everything has gone up!
I really would like to know why the media doesn't do a story on the gas prices in other states are so low. Like for instance-Texas?
WE need to get rid of the cosmetic gas that we use in this state
The price of gas is dependant on refining as well as price per barrel. The price per barrel is coming down but not the price we pay. Also I wish the governator would stop ripping off the gas tax money for other things and use it for the roads as intended.
increasing number of nuclear plants in this country is suicidal!!! And stupid- since they have a limited life (for production) but are a permanent threat of contamination.
I know that government is getting extreme economic benefits from the oil companies so if anything happens- it will be the increase of gas- thus a higher "kick back" back to the people in government.
I think the refineries are a big player in the cost of gasoline and that regulations need to be put in place so that they aren't the highest benefactors in the rising cost of gasoline prices.
The concept is so simple! We all are "drinking" from the same limited source & putting more "straws" into the cup will only use it up faster. It will do nothing to really solve our current /future energy needs. Only the "straw" owners get rich!
I want to see more emphasis on alternative energy. Until gas prices are high enough- Americans won't be willing to pay the price of alternative fuels. We need to get away from oil.
I have a suburban that I use to tow my boat and go camping etc. Needless to say- it sits most of the time. The higher gas prices will affect my summer activities and the places I go. Since it is a necessity- I don't feel that we should be punished.
The point that makes me the most angry is that we in CA pay more than the rest of the country and there is NO justification for this and No One has attacked this issue.
Bush's agenda will always and will continue to be "oil-tainted". Steps should be taken to protect the unexplored areas. It is a crime the Alasken wilderness was finally pushed through under the guise of getting more gas for the US. IT IS A SHAME!
When you see the "Oil Man" Bush and the Saudi's holding hands what are you supposed to think about the gas crisis?
When will we ever get our heads out of our butts and figure out alternative- ecologically friendly fuels have to be found and we need to stop with this carbon emission business? SNARL!!
I think when the us pays as the people in europe then the gas campanys will be happy.
As a non-driver- I use public transport always. As a nation- we have been in the thrall of the automotive industry for a century. We need to break this cycle and commit to alternate sources of energy- or we will be undone by our wasteful ways.
The speed limit should be lowered- resulting in lower fuel consumption AND probably fewer accidents. Alternative fuels- conservation- and fuel-efficient vehicles should all be promoted and developed.
The economic system in the United States is corrupt- and continues to unbalance the economies of most of the world to serve corporate greed. It must end.
I believe more people would take advantage of public transportation if 1) BART provided sufficient parking and 2) bus companies expanded their routes and running times in the suburbs.
Yes- ABC (7) Listens Polling Center should hold contests for members for Free gasoline for a year...
Two questions were asked as to whether the President and the Govenor were doing enough to lower prices. I don't think that the issue is lower prices - I don't think that prices will fall below $2 a gallon. The issue is fuel efficiency and conservation.
This poll didn't even address the issue of peak oil. We will continue to face high energy prices because energy supplies are dwindling & consumption is up worldwide. The public should be made aware of peak oil so that they understand the real issue.
Bush's latest budget- just approved by the Republican Congress- eliminated the credit for buying a hybrid but kept the SUV exclusion. Oil companies are posting record profits. Bush gave them greater tax breaks. Do the math.
if there was a true shortage- the gas co's would not be making the huge profits that they are making. Were getting scammed- again- still!
The last White House administration demonstrated succesfull efforts at engergy cost controls and cost reductions. This administration asserts that- without trying- effecting change is outside his control. Difficult to believe even if he weren't connecte
I believe President Bush is correct in saying we need more Nuclear Power. We need to quit using coal- oil and natural gas.
With China's growing consumption of petroleum- as well as that of the USA and other industrialized nations- the end of planetary oil resources is getting closer. We need long-term alternatives to petroleum--before global shortages become global wars.
Oil refineries are right here in our own backyard and we pay more for gas than anywhere else?????
The only thing that is going to force us to find alternative means of energy- and make more fuel efficient cars is the cost of gas going through the roof. If that's what it takes- so be it!
It seems as though the oil companies are pulling a different excuse for rising gas prices out of a hat every quarter as much sense as it makes.
The average guy is a slob and a gas hog. That's why we have so many piggy SUVs on the highways- guzzling gas. If they cannot afford the price of gas and won't give up the SUV let them ride a water buffalo.
Gasoline prices in the US have been too low for a long time- and being higher is good because it encourages people to drive smaller cars. We are too wasteful with resources. We need renewable resources of energy.
It is hard to live here with all of the prices rising. I was born and raised right here in SF. I can't even afford to live here- but I don't know any other way. Never been out of state and I'm one of the one that live just above provitry leveal.
Your question regarding the type of vehicle I drive did not include a motorcycle as an option. I commute 50 miles daily via motorcycle which gets 45 mpg.
It's not a matter of George Bush and Congress not doing enough to reduce high gas prices. It's how much they've done to increase prices and line the pockets of their oil cronies.
Bush and cronies like the high price of oil they are all in the oil or related business And are making hugh profits.
Start drilling today in Anwar
I travel to Europe frequently and they have been paying over $4 per gallon for quite some time. Half of me thinks we should just quit whining- but the other half is disgusted with the record profits the gas companies are making.
Drill in the Gulf of Mexico. There is more oil there than in alaska.
I would like to see more reporting on both how Bush's oil buddies are gouging the american public- and also how Bush Admin foreign policies have served to inflate oil prices- by destabilizing the middle east.
we need to focus on alternative energies...and that doesn't mean coal.
What about a few new refineries in the state producing CA grade of gasoline?
I past one of the questions when I hit the continue bar. It would be nice if one could back space to a page one missed.
I understand that the lack of a sufficient number of refineries are the real problem. I heard that before and then again from Saudi Arabia at the White House. Wasn't a similar problem identified during our energy crisis a couple of years ago.
1st on your list of vehicles owned/driven- you did NOT list MOTORCYCLES. I ride one. It is a great savings to my budget- and uses much less gas than a car/truck/SUV. Also- increased refinery production- more refineries- 2address bottleneck of prod?
It would be interesting to do a retrospective analysis on the Full Life Cycle of a gallon of gas to determine what the ACTUAL costs of acquisition- production and distribution truly are- and where the $$$'s are going. none
When the 'Pillsbury Dough Boy' is in charge of the cookies- no one else has a chance to get any!
Increasing the amount of crude oil to the U.S. will not help if we don't either increase refinery output or increase the number of refineries.
We should develope natural gas engines as many cities muni buses have them and they are clean non-poluting engines- and natural gas is cheap compared to oil.
It is "amazing" our president and congress provided tax credits to buy SUV's and have not required more fuel efficient cars.
although it's unsettling- we've been taught since the '70s that we'd eventually pay $3/gallon. it's finally here!
The world's oil companies have always and continue to set the price of gas. They did it in the 70's and are very good at it now. How come so many refineries shut down at the same time for maintenance? Quick phone call is all it takes.
The world economy is also a major factor in the demand/supply of oil. That is also a major factor since no new refineries have been built since about 1991 to meet the demand.
I think the big gas companies are gouging while they can because they know sooner or later we will have to find something else to use !
I can't understand why the US gives huge tax breaks to oil companies and invests such small amounts in alternative engery sources. It's time to break the monopoly oil companies and nucular energy proponents have on America's so-called energy policy.
I think that the gas tax should be used to fix the roads like it was passed for not to balance the budget.
THERE WAS A STUDY THAT SAID IT WOULD TAKE AN INCREASE UP TO 8.00 FOR THE BAY BRIDGE TOLL BEFORE HUGE NUMBERS OF PEOPLE WOULD TAKE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION. THEY JUST REFUSE TO GET OUT OF THEIR CARS. I FAVOR UPPING THE TAXES ON GASOLINE TO HELP THE CALIFOR
We learned from the energy crises that corporations will gouge the public whenever they can- and the administration has no interest in protecting the public.
We're in the first years of a global energy shortage. Its not going to get better without new energy sources- probably nuclear- maybe solar. We need to get on it.
The main reason the price of gas has not affected me much is that- as a perk of my employment- the Company provides me with gas - locally- anyway. The main effect I feel is that my boyfriend suggests we take my car for day trips.
My response about trucks and SUVs is only reflective to SUVs. Trucks affect cost of goods sold- and should be looked at differently- particularly since they effect the ability to have a job (trucker). SUV's are not a necessary item for anyone.
Gas prices are 100% government driven. There are millions of acres of un-tapped oil that Bush is covering up in places like Texas and Alaska which could be tapped- not harming nature. It's all greed.
I have heard that mtor vehicles are the ones that consume 90% of the oil while electricity is genereated by other sources mostly- e.g. coal and which we have plenty. Why could not the government and the the big three get it going with hybride cars?
One way we changed our plans due to high gas prices was instead of driving our SUV down to LA to help bring our college sons furniture back to the bay area- we are having him put his stuff in storage.
If there is a shortage of oil- how come Exxon and the oil companies made billions in profits this last go-around?
Increase production and offer tax incentives for hybrid cars would help alot
I have been looking for a new job close to home. These jobs don't earn the same salary- but the cost of communiting is a necessary element in our financies. Also- I don't think it is fair for CA to pay more than other states. California should revise the EPA standards
I think the biggest problem we have is the control that the large Oil Companines have in limiting the advancement on alternative fuels and hybrid vehicles. They have fought this tecnology for years and I believe that we as consumers are being victimized a
We need more refineries to make gas...make SUV's meet vehicle mileage standards- not trucks.
I believe the gov't really does not do enough in regards to our gas prices. The current administration has to much at stake.
How many BILLIONS of dollars in INCREASED profits did the oil companies have in the LAST quarter?????
I don't think the supply of oil is causing the price of gasoline to go up that much- I think it is the ability to process the oil into gasoline. I think the oil companies have not built new refining facilities to pressure the government into reducing env
Demand that oil companies bring prices down sooner- when oil prices drop. Not allow them to raise prices for oil that is priced months in advance. When profits double or triple- companies are gouging. I'm willing to pay a fair price- not an inflated.
SUV's are directly responsible for high gas prices. Unfortunately it's wishful thinking that a major news station will ever have the guts to go against Bush and detroit and tell the facts- SUVs and their owners are responsible.
I feel better walking riding buss no road rage but i have to manage my time better
In your question on what we are doing in order to reduce amount of gas used- there was one option you did not give - and it would have been good - "Would like to change vehicles but can't afford to".
I just keep wondering why the profits are up for the gas companies and why if it (gas) is processed here in the bay area- how come it costs sooo much more here and lower farther away???
Get the stupid gas guzzlers off the road.....tax them like crazy- and subsidize things like hybrids- electric vehicles- etc....
The weak Dollar always seems to get overlooked in the debate about gas prices. Because the Dollar has been weak for a while- ANYTHING that's imported is going to cost more- just because of the exchange rate.
LEGISLATION AND TAX BREAKS SHOUD BE ENCOURAGED FOR MOST NEW BUILDING PROJECTS--ESPECIALLY PUBLIC BUILDIINGS TO SAVE FUEL THAT IS CONSUMED TO PRODUCE ENERGY.
My husband and I have already reduced to one car and we moved to within walking distance of his work. We would like our next car to be hydrogen powered- but governments and industry are not moving fast enough or with enough conviction toward removing oil
I reccommend building new nuclear energy facilities in California and removing the ridiculous restrictions that have been placed on nuclear energy. This state is missing out on usage of one of the least expensive systems .
Even though I would like to think of myself as being environmentally conscious- I am in favor of developing all resources of oil- including off shore sources- because of the finite amount of oil available. Sometime in the future it will be important.
It doesn't seem like there's much California is willing to do to reduce the price of gas -- it would require reducing environmental standards or gas tax revenue- neither of which is palatable to the legislature.
The Governator and his buddy Geogey Boy are in the same barrel. Either of thes guys can pay a great deal of money to fill a gas tank and it wouldn't hurt them- however WE are paying for their gas so they don't really care!
gas prices are up because Bush has to repay those who financed his election. Oust Bush and the Repulican (Religous Right) Congress and gas price would lower significantly - we must elact a Liberal government now...
Why is gas higher in CA (and the Bay Area) when the refinereries are here- not in mid-America where there must be transportation costs? No one has ever addressed or answered this question to my satisfaction. Why doesn't suppy and demand affect other con
Our president is the biggest horses ass this country has seen in many years. He is only interested in doing what makes money for him and his rich friends. This is coming from a life long Republican.
Just look at the enormous profits the Oil Companys are reporting- whenever they say its about supply and demand.
the high gas price is the result of the government being influenced and having interest in oil companies
no thanks.
The questions in this poll assumed that I wanted gas prices to go down. I actually want to see them go up more. It's time America started learning that cheap gas isn't going to last forever- and to start dealing with it.
I don't think we should be trying to lower the price of gas. I think we'd be better off if gas prices stay high until people stop wasting gas by driving large vehicles.
I feel that if we could find a safe- alernate supply of energy we could reste easier -- we wouldn't be polluting our environment and we wouldn't need to worry about supply. I'm sure the supply of crude oil isn't infinite.
Vote Democrat in 2008
Sadly- I think that too many Americans care more about fuel prices and their impact on their wallets than they do about our dependence upon foreign oil- pollution and energy renewal.
For the last 30 years we the people and the government have given lip service to alternative forms of energy. We need to have these alternatives available and afordable in our everyday lives.
These high prices have forced me to use Self-serve pumps despite my back injury pain. I used to only buy gas at 76 or Shell where they had "Full Serve" islands.
However- gas from those pumps has been well over $3.00/gal.
The sole good thing about high fuel costs is that SUVs will now go the way of the dodo. The craze for these huge vehicles has been a triumph of marketing over reason. Perhaps sanity is returning.
As Pogo said " I have met the enemy- and it is us " We- the collective nation- are addicted to high energy consumption lifestyle As such- energy costs will continue to increase long before they decrease.
You asked about buying a different car. I would love to have a smaller fuel efficient car- but cannot afford to trade. I would have NO money to make the payments.
It would have been nice if you had focused more on alternative transportation...hit them where it hurts. Don't drive their damn cars and don't buy their damn gas...god- i wish this were possible. Greedy rotten so-and-sos...
we get a lot of lip service on the subject of higher gas but never an explanation nor valid reason. why not?
Trying to find more fossil fuels is a fool's game. It benefits only the rich- and leaves us completely unprepared for the time when those fuels run out.
I wish that we could boycott oil companies- but they have us by the throat. We cannot function without gasoline. We use some diesel and it is over the top! I can see why we will pay more for trucked goods now in in the future. Oil cos are criminals!
Having different standards for gas accross the country is crazy - it's time for a national standard.
The public is being screwed by the oil companies and the governement. And the car companies should be coming up with ethanol or other fueled cars so we can tell the Arabs to kiss our asses.
Gas prices are high but not as high as else where in the world. The US 's problem is not so much a shortage of oil but one of a shortage of Refineries and of the custom gas blend we have to use in CA. There needs to be one type of gas used nation wide.
I think George Bush and his cronies are behind this all and could do something. They and their rich buddies are robbing US.
Car insurance is a large part of the cost of driving! There should be pay at the pump auto insurance built into the cost of gas. Every one would then have protection and this would reduce part of the over all costs of driving. Need more room for comment
Fossil fuels are a precious resource which should not be squndered. If I ran an oil producing nation (Saudi- USSR- or USA) I wouldn't sell a drop. Save it for next generations. Too rare at any price.
You asked if I was concerning a car that gets better mileages but never about motorcycles. I am a 52 year old women and that is actually what I am think about getting. I'll still need a car something but a motorcycle could be used much of the time.
Hydrogen- solar- alternative fuels (has anyone considered hemp or orange oils as fuels?)- there must be dozen ways to cut oil demand. Right now we could make mass transportation more user friendly- better locations- comfort- times- etc.
Schwarzenegger is Bush- on steroids.
I did not mention that I did change vehicles; one that gets better gas mileage than the one I was driving.
money buys our politicians and the oil companys have the most money!!!
The state and national government don't care about gas prices since they get campaign funding from oil companies. Heaven forbid if they cut-off the hand tha feeds.
America needs to deplete gas in foreign countries first and then other countries will be forced to deal with the US and then there will be hell to pay when we can charge $1000 a gallon for gasoline!!!!
I am a student and the last time i filled my tank it was about $38. Thought about going to Bio-diesel but learned it would cost about the same for the fuel- just burns cleaner. You can't just dump used cooking oil in your tank like I had heard:-(
I would like to switch to a hybred but they are to expensive.
With refineries directly across the bay- it's never been truly answered as to why our gas is so much higher than the rest of the nation. Is it just because they know we'll pay it??
The tire and gasoline companies got rid of clean-running streetcars and steam engine trains so we would have to be dependant on our cars. This is just like Enron. They're laughing all the way to the bank while we scrimp on food to afford their gas.
We need to open up the Alaskan oil fields for exploration. It is a teeny tiny part of the Wildlife Refuge and the carabou seem to love the already existing pipelines.
The liberals promised us fuel efficient cars- and getting us off arab oil in 1974 after the first Arab oil embargo- but they had more important matters than fuel efficient cars and oil they had to stalk and hunt NIXON. Buy Gas Support Terrorism- sucker
WE Americans use to much oil- we will drive our cars 2 blocks to the store to buy a pack of cigarettes in a big ass SUV- then complain about the price of gas but still smoke any any cost. i think we should be paying 4 or 5 dollars a gallon.
California has particularly high gas prices because we have bizzaro-world "special" gas- and because we havn't built any increase in refinery capacity in twenty years.
It's unfair that California is paying higher gas prices- we are being taken advantage of by the fuel companies thinking everyone here is wealthy.. so not true- most are struggling to get by.
In the '70's- during the last fuel crisis- the government was talking about alternative fuels- and here we are 30 years later without any notable progress. All energy policies seem to propose the same status quo for oil and gas businesses...what a shame.
The oit refineries in California are gouging the people in CA. just because they can- ( by their own admission. ) Yet the refineries in the Bay Area a asking for lower tax rates on their properties. What a bunch of crooks!!!
Bush and his cronies are all oil men. Oil is money and the hell with the environment. Isn't that why we are in Iraq? It's oil/money and they will kill and destroy to acquire it.
Buy a Hybrid!
Despite the searching for government assistance- we should look to opening new refineries- there has not been a new refinery built in the US for more than 30 years! The growth of the global economy will continue to increase demand. Stop asking govt. to do
I find it interesting that- although oil companies "bitch " about their increased costs ( esp. crude prices)- they have ALL posted record profits this last quarter and show no signs of that changing. This is NOT free-enterprise -- this is price-gouging!
Our policy and our perceived crusade against the middle east will only make those who have the oil less likely to cut the US any slack. Bush Policy rapes our national forests- and wilf life -its a band-aide fix that will only help oil companies.
If people focused on reducing their dependency on gas- and our government focused on ensuring that we were able to refine the oil we already get- the situation would improve. We'll never see the days of $1/gal again though...
Has anyone figured out - before we use it all up - WHY the oil is in the ground in the first place?
Why are these oil companies alowed such huge proffit margins (bhillons) ! I would be put in jail if I marked prices up as much as they do!
I think that President Bush is really not concerned with the welfare of the american people. I think that his conceern lies primarily with his good old boy network- and the wheels of the super rich keep right on rolling on over the american people!
The price of crude oil per barrel soared in Saudi Arabia just after Bush was re-elected- and there was great jubilation in the Kingdom about his re-election! Now we see one of the reasons why!
You assumed throughout the poll that I think high gas prices are a bad idea. Actually- high gas prices are good because they make people drive less- use public transportation more- and become more aware of just how unsustainable our car culture is.
gas company profits are enormous and should be reflected in prices and should be taxed without exemption.
You did not mention motorcycles as a way to cut down on traffic- and fuel consumption. Shame on you!
stop the cozy arrangement between Bush and the Saudi royals
The Department of Justice should oppose the latest round of mergers between 2 of the remaining large oil companies.
We are now in our 2nd or 3rd Oil War...depending upon how you count. I love the fact that the conservatives- who have botched foreign policy so badly now are becoming eco-friendly! Hallelujah- store the ammunitiion- alternative energy manhattan project:?
I have always bought gasoline at ARCO stations. Although they are not a discount station like Costco- they have always been less expensive than the other name companies.
Political and media efforts need to focus more on fuel efficiency and less on the price of fuel. As long as people continue to depend of gasoline- the prices will remain high. Lower the dependancy- and the price will not matter!
1. We need more refineries here in California to meet demand and drive down prices. 2. MTBE and other additives need to be eliminated to lower gas prices. 3. Out-of-state gasoline must be allowed into California- to break up the monopoly of CA refiners
2 many people think govt can magically solve all problems. Gas is a commodity. Price is a function of supply & demand. Its high- but still cheaper than Europe or bottled water. Get over it. Devel alt fuel- but quit counting on that to fix today's probs
I've always thought that Bush's connection with the oil industry back in Texas was a detriment to his being able to help us out any with prices or making card more fuel efficient or making car maker more responsible
None. Thank you.
Other countries like Japan have a wide variety of hybrid vehicles and have for some time. Our government should be lobbying for more of those vehicles (e.g.- minivans) to come here for sale. It's not a lack of technology - it's a lack of will.
I can't help but think Bush isn't sincerely helping comsumers with the gas crisis - we can all reduce recreational driving but there are those that still need to drive (to doc appts- etc) and the cost is a hard burden.
The State and Fed. governments are not doing anything about fuel prices because the gas and energy companies are enriching their coffers. Not enough financing or attention has been paid to developing alternative energy resources- fuel efficiency
Since the oil companies seem to be raking in profits with the gas prices higher- there must be some connection. I don't think this administration is doing enough to curb this abuse.
I can't believe that the car manufacturers of trucks- SUVs- minivans and other gas hogs have not been required to improve gas consumption for these vehicles. As long as they are available- people with money will buy them. Someone has to stop this.
price of gas impacts more on the poor who don't own vehicles- because consumer prices- on other things than gas itself- have gone up and they (people with low income) can afford less and less things to buy on their small budget
I might be interested in buying a more economic car such as a hybrid if I could find a job in this state. You might want to include in your possible answers whether or not the poll answerer can afford a new car or not.
Ride MUNI / Ride BART / Ride CalTrain / Ride MUNI / Ride BART / Ride CalTrain / Ride MUNI / Ride BART /Ride CalTrain / Ride MUNI / Ride BART / Ride CalTrain / Ride MUNI
If we took Mexico like we took Iraq & rid the world of the PRI and that despotic dictator Fox we would have a new supply of nine hundred fifty million barrels of oil to use & we wouldn't have Islamofacist insurgents to fight either.
The State's requirement for cleaning up underground tanks at stations is the main reason most left San Francisco this is why gas is so much higher in the city. Tax policies need to change to encourage conservation & encourage oil cos. to clean refineries.
Why can't the public realize that drilling in Alaska will NOT start gasoline gushing into their car's gas tanks in a week or two...it'll be TEN YEARS- folks- TEN YEARS- and then most of it will go to Japan- etc.
I think that the congress should consider legislation to turn oil companys into regulated utilities.
We need to put more emphasis on alternate sources of fuel such as solar and wind power. Government needs to do much more to make these attractive alternatives.
I think President Bush and his cohorts are manipulating the gas prices to line their own pockets at the expense of the working class.
NASA can send the Shuttle into space and back without using gas. Why can't the same technology be applied to cars? Is this what we call "selective fuel" efficiency?
We need more refining capacity. We also need less politics involved and need to radically increase refining and build more refineries...now!
Consumers need to alter love of big cars & speed. No war in Iraq if USA didn't need oil?!? Public policy & ad campaign like against smoking wd be a +. Tax incentives for mfrs & consumers to make/buy hybrid & fuel efficnt cars and NOT 6k Lbdr.
I believe that the world has probably reached the peak in our ability to produce oil. This is critical. We badly need to find ways to reduce by a great amount the need for oil. This is likely to create a significant upset of the US economy.
The oil companies should be regulated. They are making more profit than ever before. Our vehicles: Medium Truck and SUV are paid off and with only one income in our household due to lay off...new vehicles are not in our near future.
I think that all elected officials (especially in California) should drive hybrids and that where feasible- all public vehicles- should be hybrid or some other clean/reduced emissions vehicle. Leaders need to show commitment to using less gasoline.
Bush has "oil" in his history- hence recent oil prices and who know what else in our past/future that he has influenced! I say Impeach the jerk!
I belive that we can controll our destiney. We have the ability to create alturnate fuel engines- and more economical engines. We have yet to realize the big picture and cut our dependance on oil burning fuel.
I would like to know how much of the oil we are now pumping out of Alaska is actually sold in th US. Why are we still financing the war in Iraq? Bush said their oil would pay for the war.
It would be a good idea to start manufacturing and installing solar cells on roof tops as quickly as possible.
We only have one vehicle. I use mass transit most of the time to get to/from work or on other occdasions. My wife tries to get gas at the stations in our areas that have the cheapest prices. We stopped using premium gas a long time ago.
One way to decrease gas usage would be to decrease commutes by encouraging people to live nearer to their work. This would decrease highway congestion too. California should offer incentives to do this. I've never heard this idea suggested before.
Yes. I would like to see gas prices top over $4.00 a gallon. The higher it goes- the more this country will be forced to look into alternative energy sources.
I am disappointed with the silence of our political leaders (Feinstein in particular) on the energy industry lobby- global warming and alternative energy. I'm also not thrilled with the free ride they seem to be getting from the media.
i LOVE MY NEW PRIUS.
I am disappointed thsat the US consumer seems to accept this situation with no outrage or demand for action by the government and the population at large. We need to be energized to demand change.
I think it is not just the US having SUV's. The world as a whole is using more gas. China and other developing Countries
We should have hydogen autos NOW and put the Saudi's out of business. We all know that GM- Ford- Honda etc. can do it but Chevron pays themoff not to have hydrogen car or cars that get 60MPG.
Gov. Schwartznegger is a big joke to California as an elected offficial. He proposed to cut back on special interest power manipulations- but he himself is doing the same thing........ a joke to all who voted for him................
Of all President Bush's proposals to support US energy self-sufficiency- the only one that makes sense to me is converting unused military bases into oil refineries. That is- unless this is his way of avoiding superfund cleanups of polluted sites.
Social change- with environmental concerns at the forefront- always moves more effectively with the cooperative spirit of both leaders and supporters. George W. Bush has been not only a dismal failure- but an enemy of clean- renewable- energy development.
I think the price of gas should be higher to help reduce the pervasive waste of gasoline.
NO OIL -GAS- COAL- SHOULD BE USED IN THE U.S. FOR HOME HEATING OR THE GENERATION OF ELECTRICITY. WE NEED NEW REFINERIES AND NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS. NEED LOTS OF ELEC. TO MAKE HYDROGEN!
Yes !!Develope use of vegetable oils as fuel in cars-trucks-busses-etc. Vegetables can be grown for food and fuel.Good recycle value and get gov't funding for research and production. Burns clean.
Our government needs to create a strategic plan to develop alternative fuels for cars and trucks. Gas will only get more expensive over time.
It would be interesting to know how many people are aware of the fact that the US consumes 20 million barrels a day of oil- and that rapid growth in consumption- especially in China- is impacting demand and prices.
I do not trust what anyone is saying about gas prices- particularly our government! It is absurb that we who live in CA where gas is made- pay higher prices than some small remote area of the country. Thanks.
Congress and states must develope more oil fields and refineries to produce gas for cars and other products!!!! This current stupidity of the conservationists will kill this nation's and the world's economy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Where was a question on CONSERVATION? Don't tell me Cheney wrote the poll questions...
I would like to understand better the reasons why our country doesn't push a little harder on the hybrid vehicles.
Nope.
This is like the so-called energy crisis we had some years ago. There is no shortage only another gouge. What will happen when we the "people"have no more $ to give to gov't in taxes and the rest of the gougers?
I feel like we've been BUSHwacked by the Oilygarchy
I'm sure current gas prices do not impact the president and his court- nor do they bother most other politicians- corporate CEOs- etc. It's another example of how far apart the government is from those it governs.
The higher gas price now perhaps has a positive effect in changing American people's consumption habits. The higher price is an issue- but I don't mind if the price sustains at this level for a while.
Its unfortunate that Bush/Cheney are such buddies w the oil companies because they are 100% responsible for the prices we are paying at the pump - just like they were 100% responsible for the energy crisis that put Davis out of office and Arnold in!
Spoiled oil man becomes president. Fuel prices rise dramatically. And American people still can't see the duck in that picture.
We need to do more to develop alternate sources of renewable energy to decrease our dependence on foreign oil/gas.
We would like to purchase a hy-bird vehicle but we are both retired and live on a fixed income. The price of a hy-bird is not in our budget.
Some people (myself included) think that gas prices in the US are too artificially low. If you compare our prices to those of other countries they probably are. Maybe we need to increase taxes to pay for research on alternate types of fuel.
This current president has done absolutely nothing to help manage oil supply. He could have been a spokesman for greater gas mileage- pushed for alternative energy sources- & asked for help from the American people.
I find it obscene that as consumers are paying record prices at the pump- the oil companies are making record profits. Also- no mention from Bush about alternative sources while pushing to open up the Wildlife refuge. How transparent!!
In my opinion gasoline prices are inflated by people in power to do so. We- the people have not had the power to regulate fair practices. Huge profits are reaped from the basic energy essentials needed for living.
Another thing I've started doing is combining errands. Instead of making many small trips during the week- one night a week- I make one big trip to all the stores /businesses.
every year gas prices go up and oil companies say its a supply problem or their costs are higher-or refineries need work etc. Then the year ends and oil companies report record profits. If their cost were higher then there wouldn't be record profits.
This poll looks only at the current admin. Looking at congress and previous admins confirms that neither part has delt wiht the problem. European countries delt with this problem decades ago...both parties must work together and solve it...stop blame
There has not been a new oil refinery built in this country in what 30 years. That always comes up in your reports. Seems like that deserves an indepth look.
I think gas prices will have to go up more before we as a nation get the will to defeat the big oil companies and lobbies and develop alternative sources of energy.
If we Californians are smart we'll commit to alternative energy R&D now (as we are with Stem Cell research) because our survival requires it. As the largest group of energy consumers- we would have more control.
I use my truck for moveing heavy equipment around. California should have more refineries but doesn't.
My opinion about laws and the price of gas is that they have little or nothing to do with each other. The only possible exception is the current government and its relationship with the House of Sa'ud.
I believe that the Bush administration is manipulating the gas prices by effecting lower rates "miraculously" when his popularity drops. We're supposed to be grateful that he has close ties to the Saudis.
I believe that oil and gas companies ( including the interests of the current adminstration) control- determine and direct the country's path. Profit is the determining factor of policy- not efficiency or ecology. There is a better way
re gas prices higher in california...gas prices are the same all over the world- the differentials caused by taxes and local regulatiions. only way to lower price relative to world price is to get rid of some or all teaxes and regulations. we should be
Congress and the President are wasting too much time on faith related issues and not doing their jobs. I say throw them all out. We need national term limits.
I blame BUSH for everything
I enjoy taking your surveys- and like to register my thoughts - I am very opinionated on most topics/issues of the day. Thank you for the opportunity. You have altered my views of KGO!
I don't now nor will I ever understand why we in this state pay so much for gas. and why the fuel is different from the rest of the country.
I think it is pretty bad that right here in the bay area is where the gas is made- yet we pay the highest prices.
I think there will soon be a glut of used and new large SUVs and trucks on the market. A good thing!
How can Bush & Congress continue to spend Billions of dollars on a War when there are many more pressing problems in America! Jobs- soaring price of home ownership- homeless people. Cutting people on Disabilty- Social Security- Retirement benifits!
I like your topics. Further- I wish that Bush would try to help our nation- instead of trying to tell other nations how to govern- i.e.- Russia- and he should bring our soldiers home. ==============================Please type your response here
I've been really dissapointed that this country has not made more efforts to get alternative energy developed and marketed since 1975.
I definitely don't believe that enough is being done to reduce gas prices. I am strongly in favor of higher standards for SUVs and trucks. I don't think that they should be singled out.
Yes. I do not trust this administration to look out for the little guy. I do think that this administration is in the pockets of the Oil Industry.
We have met the enemy and he is us. We're willing to pay the price- we whinge about it- and we buy a big house an hour's drive from work rather than living in a smaller space on a transit line.
About buying a new car.....simply put- I can't afford to buy even a used car.
Should have added to "causes" list: overly stringent environmental regulations may have contributed to higher gas prices; foreign oil sources manipulation. (Topics should have been proofread for numerous spelling errors.)
I think that gas prices where pushed up. I doubt that we will see the price of gas reduced below $2.00 ever again. I find it hard to believe that when the company's make record profits that there is not something that can not be done.
President Bush has shown that he favors the oil industry. They helped fund his campaigns. Not one of the reports that have investigated these companies has found any "price gouging" going on. But all the these companies are reporting record earnings.
Plcould have asked if drivers would consider a lower speed rate such as returning to 55mph as maximum speed.ease type your
It's way past time to invest more into mass transportation alternatives and that includes government support of such transit.
ABC7 Listens Survey Background Facts:
ABC7 Listens Poll
Number of People Interviewed: 1,201 Bay Area Residents
Interview Dates: May 6th ¨C 12th, 2005
Conducted by: Hertz Research, Petaluma, CA
How ABC7 Listens Polls are Conducted and Potential Sources of Error
ABC7 Listens Polls are conducted by Hertz Research of Petaluma, California. The polls are conducted online among Bay Area residents who registered in advance to participate in the ABC7 Listens Polling program. In order to create samples as representative of the entire Bay Area population as possible, the results for each poll are statistically weighted using a variety of demographic factors provided by respondents during the registration process. These statistical weighting procedures also take into account differences between groups of people who tend to use or not use the Internet.
Regardless of methodology, all polls are potentially affected by a number of factors that may influence their accuracy. A common source for survey inaccuracy is sampling error. The number of respondents largely determines sampling error. Statistical theory indicates that in the case of a poll with this sample size (1,201 Total Interviews), 95 percent of the time the results of a survey of this size would be the same as interviewing the entire population of the Bay Area, give or take approximately three percent. This is not a probability sample.
However, other sources of error also can impact the accuracy of poll results conducted online and with other techniques. These include but are not limited to the percentage of the population choosing to participate, the likelihood a possible respondent is at home or connected to the Internet, the wording, and ordering of questions, and the techniques used to determine possible survey participants and likely voters. The cumulative impact of all of these potential sources of error is impossible to assess precisely.
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