Consumers - Is The Rising Cost of Gasoline Affecting Your Normal Routine?

It is reported that each spring, gasoline prices skyrocket just before the summer driving season begins. While performing an impromptu, unofficial survey about the skyrocketing gas prices, I found that this discussion was one of the most emotionally charged topics coming out of the mouths of many consumers.

When asked if you are affected by the rising cost of gasoline, here are some of the top responses that we received from what began as a general conversation:

1.Yes, my household is affected. We arent doing anything frivolously or out of the norm. Besides, it would really be unfair to my children to take them out of their extracurricular activities.

2.I am not doing any extra shopping like I used to right now. Im just getting the basics, because between the cost of groceries, medicine, monthly bills and now gas, what am I supposed to do? I have to make a choice on whats in my best interest at the moment.

3.The government can do a better job at getting a handle on this situation. It is forcing a hardship on many citizens. If we were to eliminate using one gallon of gas than normal, as suggested by some analysts, it really wont make a big difference in my wallet.

4.Were cutting out going on a big vacation this year and doing something within driving distance. We simply cant afford to pay those additional charges for airline tickets and have sufficient money to enjoy our vacation.

5.Although I use mass transportation, I am still affected by the cost of many other products and services going up, such as postage.

There were emails circulating recently, that called for a nationwide boycott to avoid buying gas on a particular date. The thought process was that this boycott would send a harsh, economic message to the oil companies and force them to start lowering their prices. The day after this boycott, I filled up my vehicle and found that the gasoline I normally used went up five cents over the day before. I guess that email circulation on the boycott either didnt get to those oil executives or didnt faze them if it did?

Weve heard stories about the refineries that have been affected by Hurricane Rita and Katrina, along with other statistical reasons for these soaring gasoline prices. No doubt most citizens are greatly affected by the explosion of the increase in gasoline per gallon and are not happy about it either. We are also hearing reports about some gas stations experiencing drive offs (people filling up and leaving without paying). Even if we dont agree with the extremity of the gasoline prices, we must be mindful that drive-offs affect the employees of these establishments and their families. In all due respect, they really have no authority over these gasoline regulations and it takes money out of their pockets.

Instead of feeling defeated, become proactive. Sometimes, as consumers, we are unaware of our subtle and extreme wastefulness of many things, such as energy, food and water consumption. There is ongoing concern about our soil, air quality, water and climate. We must also pay attention to how we dispose of things, like our garbage and toxic dumping. Think about this: Once weve depleted our energy resources and there is nothing being put back in order to restore and replenish what weve used up, then where will the supply come from?

Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of energy has some tips that can help consumers beat high gasoline prices. You will find their website at the end of this article. If you have a business, we would like to get your feedback on the effect of the rising cost of fuel on your daily operations, by filling out a two minute survey on the website of Moore 2 It Productions. Information that we collect from this survey will be used to share with other businesses through our website and in an upcoming article. You will find the website address listed below.

Kym Gordon Moore is the author of the eBook, Alphabet Soup: 5 Main Ingredients for Turning Words into a Bowl of Hot Topics! Many of her articles, essays, short stories and poems appeared in a variety of magazines, newspapers, ezines and anthologies. http://www.kymgmoore.com

She is a creative marketing strategist for Moore 2 It Productions and coordinates cost effective, creative marketing packages for budget conscious new authors and new small business owners. http://www.moore2itproductions.com

U.S. Department of energy Consumer Tips http://www.energy.gov/3464.htm

Check out gasbuddy.com for information on helping you find cheap gasoline prices in your city.

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