Poll: Oil Companies, Bush Blamed for Record Gas Prices

June 13, 2007
Poll: Oil Companies, Bush Blamed for Record Gas Prices

WASHINGTON -- A new Quinnipiac poll released today shows that most Americans blame oil companies for high gasoline prices -- but many also blame President Bush.

The survey of 1,711 people, conducted June 5 to 11, found that while 43 percent thought oil companies were largely responsible for the runup in prices, 20 percent thought Bush was the reason.

Gas Exceeds Food, Housing, Health Care and Entertainment

June 4, 2007
Gas Exceeds Food, Housing, Health Care and Entertainment

But for those living paycheck to paycheck, rising gasoline prices can mean the difference between being able to pay bills and going into debt.

On average, U.S. households spent 3.6% of their after-tax income on gasoline in 2005, the period of most recent data. That trails expenses for food, housing, health care and entertainment.

Gasoline costs U.S.consumers extra $20 bln

May 22, 2007
Gasoline costs U.S. consumers extra $20 bln

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The jump in U.S. gasoline prices this year has so far
cost consumers an extra $20 billion, or about $146 for each passenger car in
the country, the Government Accountability Office told Congress on Tuesday.

The national price for regular unleaded gasoline hit a record $3.22 a gallon
this week, and is up $1.05 since the beginning of February, according to the
Energy Department.

Experts: $4 a gallon gas coming soon

April 3, 2007
Experts: $4 a gallon gas coming soon

Analysts say that the price reduction should hold during the coming days but won't translate into lower prices at the pump.

Flynn said he believes gasoline prices will head into record territory — currently a nationwide average of $3.07 — by the height of the summer season.

"This is the time of year when we're supposed to be building supplies, but it seems like the refiners just can't get ahead of what has been very, very strong demand," he said.

Today's report shows that the national supply of gas is at the low end of its average range for this time of year, meaning the United States will have less gas in the tank before the peak summer driving season in the coming months.