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Richard Piatt ReportingThe price of a gallon of gas has never been higher in Utah, and as we mentioned earlier, it could go up. The world's largest oil supplier, OPEC, has cut production again. People here are angry, scared, and suspicious, all at the same time.
People don't have a good feeling about how high gas prices are. According to a Survey USA poll for Eyewitness News, most Utahns don't think there's a legitimate reason for it either. Of the 500 people answering the questions, 75 percent say the prices are going up because oil companies just want to increase their profits. Only 14 percent gave a hint they think there might be a legitimate reason for the prices to go up.
Jack Herron, Gasoline Consumer: "I think it's a little gougey for the tourist season coming up. I think the oil companies are getting a little ahead of themselves."
The people in our survey are not too optimistic about gas prices this summer, either. 73 percent say they expect the prices to keep going up. Only 11 percent think they'll drop soon, and 12 percent expect them to stay about the same.
There's no question, everyone is noticing how high gas prices are going. It seems these numbers turn faster and faster each time you fill up. The question is: are people changing the way they drive, or driving less, to compensate?
The responses to this question are mixed. Most people say they are doing things differently since the prices jumped so high; 57 percent they've made changes.
Linda Meeker, Gasoline Consumer: "I hate to say that, but it can make you think twice about going to see other family members."
So, is there a bad guy here--someone to blame? People are generally mixed between blaming the oil suppliers, the oil companies, and to a large extent the Federal Government. In fact, economists blame the oil suppliers for starting a chain reaction that's draining more money from your wallet every time you fill up.
Economists are also worried that consumers will spend less on other things, like trips, this summer to compensate for the higher gas prices.
