• April 20, 2011

A new survey from NPD Group reports that 60% of consumers say they are cutting back on driving as gas pushes the $4-gallon mark. The Port Washington, N.Y.-based market researcher says its Motor Fuels Index, which tracks fuel-purchasing behaviors and attitudes, shows that gallons purchased are down 1.2% from a year ago.

p> "If the current uptick in gas price is sustained, we can expect consumers to begin implementing some key changes like reducing or consolidating shopping trips, taking more mass transit, and carpooling," it says in its release. In 2008, when gas reached $4.16 per gallon, NPD says it found that 49% reduced or consolidated shopping trips, 29% cancelled or modified vacations, and 25% found alternate means of transportation including mass transit, carpooling, and riding a bike.

The Port Washington, N.Y.-based market researcher says its Motor Fuels Index, which tracks fuel purchasing behaviors and attitudes, shows that gallons purchased are down 1.2% from a year ago. "If the current uptick in gas price is sustained, we can expect consumers to begin implementing some key changes like reducing or consolidating shopping trips, taking more mass transit, and carpooling," it says in its press release. In 2008, when gas reached $4.16 per gallon, NPD says it found that 49% of consumers reduced or consolidated shopping trips, 29% canceled or modified vacations, and 25% found alternate means of transportation including mass transit, carpooling, and riding a bike. -- Sarah Mahoney

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