Talk Topic: 7 in 10 Americans Say Gas Prices Hurt

As gas prices hover near $4 a gallon, nearly seven in 10 Americans say the high cost of fuel is causing financial hardship for their families, a new USA Today/Gallup Poll finds, according to a story by Gary Strauss.

More than half say they have made major changes to compensate for the higher prices, ranging from shorter trips to cutting back on vacation travel.

For 21%, the impact is so dramatic they say their standard of living is jeopardized.

Nationally, the price of a gallon of regular gasoline averages $3.96. That's up 38%, or $1.09, from levels a year ago.

The poll found widespread pessimism that gas prices will stop rising. Just 9% say they believe prices have peaked for the year, while 27% say they expect prices will jump 75 cents or more. Average price where consumers say prices will peak: $4.50 a gallon.

More than half — 54% — say high prices are here to stay.

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