If you’re feeling the pressure at the pump, you’re not alone.
A poll commissioned by Coast Capital Savings which interviewed 401 Metro Vancouver residents found rising fuel costs to have a “real impact on peoples’ financial health and well-being”.
The survey was conducted by the Mustel Group between June 5 to 13 when prices had receded from record highs and were fluctuating between approximately $1.40/$1.50 per litre.
“As we head into summer vacations, our study shows gas prices are having a real impact on families’ finances in Metro Vancouver,” said Rachel Coyle, Vice President Retail Operating Office, Coast Capital Savings.
“Nearly one-in-three (29 per cent) Metro Vancouver residents said that gas prices will impact their travel this Canada Day weekend.”
According to Coast Capital, the results reinforce that people are having to make tough decisions about their spending to absorb higher prices at the pump – with direct impacts on their savings and ability to repay debt. In particular:
- 47 per cent of all respondents (and 57 per cent of families) say gas prices are impacting their spending on entertainment and activities such as eating out, shows and events.
- 51 per cent of all respondents (and 60 per cent of families) say gas prices are impacting their ability to build their savings.
- And perhaps most concerning of all, 29 per cent of respondents (and 38 per cent of families) say gas prices are impacting their consumer debt repayments.
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“Many people are reducing their discretionary spending. That can help households stay on track from a budgeting perspective when there is a strain on day-to-day finances, which is certainly the case for a lot of families right now,” added Coyle.
The poll also explored the effect of higher gas prices on the economy as a whole. A total of 82 per cent of respondents expressed that they are concerned that the high cost of gas will translate into higher costs of everyday goods and services.
“While some households are finding ways to manage the financial pinch of high gas prices, we are concerned that a majority of people polled say that record high prices are making it hard for them to save for the future and nearly one-in-three say it is likely to impact their ability to pay off debts,” said Tyler Saito, Director Wealth Manager Business Solutions, Coast Capital Savings.
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