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Samantha Hayes ReportingIn an exclusive poll for KSL-TV, most people said they feel angry and frustrated. No, not everyone is having a bad day, that's just how people feel the moment they pull into the gas station.
It's become an emotional issue because as gas in Utah creeps closer to the three dollar mark, for many folks it comes down to making changes, which is uncomfortable.
Jeff Sommers: "It's ridiculous! I can barely afford anything. As it is with the gas going up, $20 only gets you half a tank instead of a full tank."
Dalton Browning: "I think they are just gouging us. I think they are just ripping us off because they know we'll pay. What are you going to do?"
AAA reports an increase of 70 cents in gas prices from a year ago today.
Jeff Sommers: "I think its bull crap; they need to drop the prices; it's ridiculous."
Jeff Sommers is frustrated, as are lots of people. Most consumers questioned are angry about the price of gas. 21-percent blame the government while 58 percent blame the oil industry.
Exxon Mobile and Texaco just reported profits in the billions.
Red Cavaney, American Petroleum Institute: "Since 1992 we have re-invested more than the total profit we earned during that period of time, in order to continue to be able to supply consumers with the goods they need."
Most consumers feel the only thing they can do is change their own habits. And before gas hits the three dollar mark, many already have.
Felix Carrillo: "I've been thinking about changing my car, getting a 4-cylinder."
We asked at what price per gallon would your driving habits change? At $2.80, 21-percent of people have already changed their driving habits. 29-percent say $3 is their breaking point. And 15 percent say they $3.20 means its time to change they way they drive.
Dalton Browning: "Definitely thinking about downgrading vehicles, public transportation, things like that."
Perhaps the most telling statistic, the price of gas has changed the amount of driving many people are doing. Almost 70 percent of those polled say they are on the road less.
