Gallup has released the results of a lengthy survey on gas prices, which asked both about causes and responses. Only 20 percent of Americans believe oil companies are responsible for the high prices, and 57 percent believe the correct response is to allow drilling in areas currently off limits:
Overall, the results are a jumble. A majority favors releasing oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, but there’s barely a plurality for ceasing to add to it. Almost as many favor price controls as want more drilling. But the results overall should cheer Republicans. More Americans agree with Republicans on the causes (supply and demand, refinery problems, government involvement, crude prices, the shortage of oil, and dependence on foreign oil) than they do with Democrats. Support for new drilling has risen by 16 percent in just a year. According to recent national polls, gas prices remain relatively low among Americans’ top priorities. Unless Republicans can quantify the price effect of failing to increase domestic production, it’s likely to be hard to make this a cutting issues.
