Spring...ON THE ROAD

Higher summer gas prices expected to keep Americans closer to home

Posted 4/28/17

More than 60 percent of Americans say they will consider traveling closer to home this summer if gas prices continue above current levels, according to a new AAA national survey. AAA projects the …

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Spring...ON THE ROAD

Higher summer gas prices expected to keep Americans closer to home

Posted

More than 60 percent of Americans say they will consider traveling closer to home this summer if gas prices continue above current levels, according to a new AAA national survey. AAA projects the national average for a gallon of gasoline will peak near $2.70 this summer, a 47-cent increase from current levels and a 75-cent increase from last year.

“Higher gas prices are already influencing the travel industry, said Lloyd Albert, AAA Northeast Senior Vice President of Public and Government Affairs. “The majority of consumers planning trips in 2017 say they will not leave the United States. With nearly 80 percent of families planning a summer road trip, higher gas prices are making local destinations, national parks, and theme parks the most desired travel destinations this year.”

During April, Americans across the country will start to see gas prices begin to climb as the industry makes the switchover to summer-blend gasoline. Over the years, public opinion on whether a gallon of gasoline is too high or too low has fluctuated as much as the price itself. Generally, $3.00 is the benchmark price at which consumers feel the price is too high.

The price as the pump will also impact day-to-day choice for Americans. More than 70 percent say they would make everyday lifestyle or driving habit changes to offset an increase in gas prices. Younger Americans (ages 18-34) are more tolerant of higher gas prices and less likely to change driving habits compared to older consumers.

The telephone survey of more than 1,000 adults was taken nationally in early February.

AAA Northeast is a not-for-profit auto club with 61 offices in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, New Hampshire and New York, providing more than 2 million local AAA members with travel, insurance, finance, and auto-related services.

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