If Pump Prices Top $6 a Gallon, Here's What People Will Do

Putting On the Brakes

Post-pandemic demand for gas, a decrease in production by oil-producing nations, and U.S. sanctions against Russia have all combined to send the price you pay at the pump through the roof — and it's likely to get worse before it gets better. Analysts at JPMorgan predict that we could be paying over $6 a gallon across the country — ouch — by August. A Reuters/Ipsos poll asked people what they might do differently should gas prices hit $6 or even (gulp) $7 a gallon. The answers might surprise you.

Covered car in parking lot — imagedepotpro/istockphoto

Almost Half Will Drive Less

With gas prices already high, it's no surprise that 49% of those polled said they'll be leaving their cars in the driveway more often.

I Have Fun Driving It — sergio_kumer/istockphoto

Most Will Limit Recreational Driving

About three out of five people, roughly 60%, said they would decrease the amount of time they spend on the road for fun if gas prices continue to go up.

RVs Depreciate Like Crazy — efrederiksen/istockphoto

They Might Alter Vacation Plans

That cross-country road trip doesn't sound as appealing as it did a few months ago. About half of Americans say they would consider vacationing closer to home, but admit they're not sure if they would cancel plans completely or just choose a different mode of transport (in other words, perhaps cars over gas-guzzling RVs).

They'll Spend Less on Other Things

More money spent at the pump means less cash for other things. Those surveyed said they'll be spending less eating at restaurants (54%), on entertainment (49%) and on vacations (46%). They'll also consider getting thrifty when it comes to fixing up their homes, a popular pastime during the pandemic. Almost half (47%) will spend less on home improvement.

Young woman holding mobile phone while waiting for electric car to charge — SimonSkafar/istockphoto

But They Won't Get an Electric Car

Although it seems like an obvious choice to get a car that doesn't need gas (or, in the case of hybrids, a car that needs less of it), a slight majority of people said they won't be getting a greener option even if gas hits $6-$7 a gallon. Fifty-one percent won't consider getting an electric vehicle.

They Also Won't Move

While some respondents said they would consider moving someplace more walkable, or at least closer to public transportation, most (54%) won't.

They Won't Take Public Transportation

While a lot of articles suggest grabbing a bus when gas prices soar, 53% of respondents said that's a no-go. Even more, 67%, say walking to work wouldn't be an option, and 47% are anti-carpooling.