Americans Reluctantly Face Their Gasoline Habit

The New York Times looks across the nation and finds consumers reluctantly changing their habits to deal with rising gas prices.

1 minute read

May 24, 2008, 1:00 PM PDT

By Tim Halbur

"Hating every minute of it, Americans are slowly learning to live with high gasoline prices. For a nation accustomed to cheap fuel, big vehicles and sprawling suburbs, the adjustments are wrenching.

Cory Asmus of Temecula, Calif., just bought a $4,800 motorcycle for his 20-mile drive to work so he could cut his gas bill to $8 a week, from $110.

Florian Bialas, a retiree who lives near Chicago, sold his 1987 Pontiac Sunfire for $3,000 and plans to relinquish his license when it expires in September. "I can walk to most places where I need to go," he said.

And Debbie Gloyd of Cleveland has parked her Chrysler Concorde and started taking the bus to work. "I can't afford these gas prices," she said. "They're insane."

With the nationwide average price for regular gasoline closing rapidly on $4 a gallon, people are bracing for a summer of pain at the pump."

FULL STORY: Adapting, With Gritted Teeth, to Higher Gas Prices

Friday, May 23, 2008 in The New York Times

Transportation United States Transportation Transportation Spending Gas Prices Cars Oil Prices View More

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