Four in Five Expect Gas Prices to be Higher Next Month than they are Now
PHOENIX (March 29th, 2022)- As rising gas prices continue to burden consumers across the nation, a recent study was conducted to assess Arizonans’ sentiment toward the surge in gas prices and their outlook on the near future. According to the latest Arizona Public Opinion Pulse (AZPOP) survey by OH Predictive Insights (OHPI), 4 in 5 Arizonans expect gas prices to be higher next month than they are now, while only 15% expect them to be the same or lower.
This AZPOP was conducted March 7th, 2022 – March 15th, 2022 and surveyed 900 general population Arizona adults (18+ YO), giving the survey a margin of error of +/- 3.3%.
Throughout history, the US has seen inflation in gas prices, but never this high. In 1929, gas cost 21 cents per gallon, which is equivalent to $3.48 per gallon current US dollar amount when adjusted for inflation. The previous most recent gasoline cost surge was between 2002 to 2008 when gas steadily rose from $1.36 to $3.27 per gallon, which comes out to $4.31 per gallon when adjusted for inflation using the value of the U.S. dollar in 2022. According to AAA, Arizona is among the nation’s top ten most expensive markets at $4.61 per gallon.
Impact on Arizona
Most Arizonans are coming to terms that they will have to deal with high prices at the pump for the short term, however, some are expecting relief in the long term. The March AZPOP found 51% of respondents expect gas prices to be higher next year than they are now, 23% expect them to be lower, and 19% expect them to be the same.
“As pocketbook issues become more and more pressing to Arizonans, a majority of residents appear to be bracing themselves for the pain at the pump to continue into the next year,” said Mike Noble, OHPI Chief of Research.
Impact on Campaigns
Among Arizona registered voters
Regarding long-term prices, the AZPOP found which groups of voters expect gas prices to be higher in a year and which groups predict the price at the pump to be lower in the next year.
A study by Pew Research Center in 2008 (the previous most recent surge in gas costs) was conducted as a part of a weekly News Interest Index in conjunction with the News Coverage Index to gauge Americans’ attentiveness to major news stories. According to this 2008 research, 62% of Americans said they followed news about gas prices very closely, and 4 in 10 said it was the story they followed more than any other. Only 15% of Americans said the 2008 presidential campaign was their top story even though the press devoted more news coverage to campaigns (26%) than to rising gas prices (7%).
“With the height of election season quickly approaching, it is imperative that government leaders address concerns that are top of mind for voters or risk being taken to the cleaners at the ballot box,” said Noble.
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Methodology: This poll was conducted as an online opt-in panel survey. The survey was completed by OH Predictive Insights from March 7 to March 15, 2022 from an Arizona Statewide Registered Voter sample. The sample demographics were weighted to accurately reflect the registered voter population by gender, region, age, party affiliation, ethnicity, and education according to a recent voter file derived from the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office and recent Census data. The sample size was 753 registered voters in Arizona, with a MoE of ± 3.6%. Numbers may not equal 100% due to rounding.
Media Contacts:
Veronica Sutliff, OH Predictive Insights, v.sutliff@ohpredictive.com, (602) 390-5248
Megan Newsham, OH Predictive Insights, m.newsham@ohpredictive.com, (314) 287-1985
About OH Predictive Insights: As a non-partisan market research, predictive analytics, and public opinion polling firm, Arizona-based OH Predictive Insights provides accurate polling, focus groups, data analytics, and advanced targeted marketing to political and non-political clients alike. With leading professionals in the advertising, communication, polling, and political arenas, OH Predictive Insights serves political and non-political clients looking to improve their footing with key stakeholders and consumers. For more information, please call 480-313-1837 or submit a request online atOHPredictive.com.