Survey Finds Motorists Want Less Costly Fuel Alternatives OMAHA, Neb., June 10
OMAHA, Neb., June 10 /PRNewswire/ -- A recent national survey commissioned
by Ethanol Promotion and Information Council (EPIC)
(http://www.drivingethanol.org) shows the skyrocketing cost of gasoline is
forcing American motorists to rethink their driving habits and choices at the
pump. The cost of summer driving, with oil prices nearing $140 a barrel, has
become an increasing financial burden for many American consumers.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20061117/CGF027LOGO)
The EPIC survey
(http://www.drivingethanol.org/news_events/consumer_awareness.aspx) found 47
percent of those polled stated that a fuel price below $5 a gallon should be
the point where fossil fuels are no longer our primary fuel sources. An
additional 27 percent of those polled reported that the critical price point
lies between $5 and $5.99. America is getting close to the break-point as
Sunday, the national average of a gallon of gasoline rose to $4.005, 90 cents
higher than a year ago, according to AAA.
"Motorists are frustrated and angry about high gas prices. Everyone is
feeling the pinch at the pump, which really underscores our need for
biofuels," said Toni Nuernberg, executive director of EPIC
(http://www.drivingethanol.org). "As gas prices continue to skyrocket, we
must continue the push for the only current transportation energy option we
have today-biofuels."
Even in the face of heavy criticism from anti-ethanol groups and misplaced
blame for rising food prices, the ethanol fuel industry continues to help keep
fuel prices below the even-more exorbitant prices consumers would pay without
the availability of ethanol fuel.
According to data from Iowa State University, blending gasoline with
ethanol has kept fuel prices $0.29 - 0.40 lower per gallon than they would
have been otherwise. In the Midwest, the savings are the greatest, with fuel
prices suppressed by as much as $0.39 per gallon due to ethanol fuel blending.
The survey found that 42 percent of those polled said they were coping
with rising gas prices by driving less, but 15 percent reported there was
nothing they could do to cut back on the increasing expense of driving.
"Motorists across the country are reaching their breaking point," said
Nuernberg. "Rising fuel costs are impacting the economy across the board.
Cost-effective renewable alternatives must be a part of our country's
long-term energy plan."
Survey Methodology:
Online survey of a total 1,004 completed surveys from Luth Research's
SurveySavvy online research panel. Survey fielding dates were April 24, 2008
through April 30, 2008. To learn more about the research, visit
http://www.drivingethanol.org/news_events/consumer_awareness.aspx
About EPIC:
The Ethanol Promotion and Information Council is an alliance of ethanol
producers and industry leaders who have come together to spread the word about
the benefits of ethanol through information and promotional programs. EPIC is
a nonprofit organization and is overseen by an 11 member board of directors.
Visit http://www.drivingethanol.org for more information about EPIC.
Web Resources
Ethanol Information: http://www.drivingethanol.org
Renewable Fuels Information: http://www.renewablefuelsnow.org
SOURCE Ethanol Promotion and Information Council
