For the first time in years, people are buying a little less gasoline in America. Analysts say it may be a sign that high prices and a slowing economy are beginning to change people’s driving habits.
Since the beginning of this year, gasoline consumption has fallen about half a percent, according to the Department of Energy.
The last time gas use fell ”” other than after Hurricane Katrina ”” was more than a decade ago. That it’s falling again now suggests that high prices are finally influencing behavior. Since November, prices have averaged $3 a gallon or more. That’s the longest they’ve ever stayed that high.
Doug MacIntyre, who has studied gas consumption at the Department of Energy since the 1980s, says he thinks people may be responding by cutting down on trips or using public transit more.
Finally! I was driving home late last night, sitting at a light. Next to me was one of those pickups with the enormous tires. The whole truck could have easily rode over my little Suzuki. When the light changed, he roared forward, as I petered forward. Apparently, not all have gotten the message.
One underused power that I wish George Bush would avail himself of is the bully pulpit. He could simply say that commuting in city traffic by oneself in a Hummer is unpatriotic. (He could also say that saving money is patriotic but that is another matter.)
I have noticed increased no shows in clinic since the gas prices have increased.
I have noticed that my no shows are up regardless of the price of gasoline. :^(
I haven’t been driving as much as I used to since becoming a stay at home mom 😉
Emphasis on the “stay at home” part. Too much hassle to wrap the baby up in this weird fluctuating North Texas weather and go somewhere…
Of course, driving less means people are traveling less, which means that they are taking less vacations away from home, which means the tourism industry will suffer, and they will be buying less which means the economy will suffer. Families will also be apart more, as adult children won’t be able to go to Grandma’s house for Easter, which means grandparents won’t be buying gifts for grandchildren, so the family unit will suffer.
Anyone for a game of dominoes? So how, again, is this a good thing?
We are driving our more economical car more. I suspect more folks are doing the same.
Billy,
Yup. I’ve put only 4000 miles on my ’97 suburban since last year. The Mazda Protege, OTOH ….
Brian