AAA

A new American Automobile Association survey reveals the national average price for a gallon of gasoline is expected to rise in the summer. However, the same survey finds that in spite of the projected rise in prices, more American families are still planning a road trip.

During April, Americans across the country started to see gas prices begin to climb as the industry wraps up spring maintenance and completes the switchover to summer-blend gasoline.

AAA projects the national average for a gallon of gasoline to increase 40 cents this summer, peaking near $2.70.

However, not everyone will jump to make a change. The survey found younger Americans, those 18 to 34 years old, are more tolerant of higher prices and less likely to change habits compared to older consumers, 35 years old and older.

This AAA survey finds nearly a quarter of consumers believe the price at the pump is already too high. Over the years, public opinion for whether a gallon of gasoline is too high or too low has fluctuated as much as the price itself.

When gas prices are above the $3 benchmark (as they were in 2013 and 2014), Americans believe prices should be 6 percent lower.

When gas prices are below the $3 benchmark (as they were in 2015 and 2016), Americans believe a 25-percent increase is too high.

This report presents the findings of a telephone survey conducted among two national probability samples which, when combined, consists of 1,017 adults, 510 men and 507 women, 18 years of age and older, living in the continental United States.