Survey: Consumers looking to save at pump, limit gas spending
More Americans are taking steps to save money at the pump amid rising gas prices.
New data from Numerator shows that as of this month, 92% of drivers say they are actively trying to save money on gas, while 78% say they are trying to limit the amount of gas they use overall, up slightly from March.
Consumers are utilizing a variety of methods to save, including using gas station loyalty programs or apps (47%, +2 points since March), filling up at lower-priced locations like club stores (36%, +3 points), choosing gas stations based on price rather than convenience (34%, -2 points), and redeeming grocery or retail fuel points (27%, +1 point). More than a quarter (27%) of drivers are using credit cards with fuel rewards or cash back (+4 points).
Almost six-in-10 (58%) drivers said rising gas prices have moderately or significantly impacted their household’s ability to afford other expenses in the past month (-3 points). Nearly three-quarters (72%) of drivers told Numerator that higher gas prices have resulted in them cutting spending from other categories (-1 point), including dining out/takeout (43%, no change), travel (32%, +2 points), groceries (30%, +2 points) and entertainment (30%, +1 point).
Forty-four percent of drivers say they are very or extremely concerned about their ability to afford gas in the next few months (-3 points), and 63% believe May gas prices will be somewhat or significantly higher than April. If prices do rise, a large majority (84%) of drivers say they will consider pulling spending from other areas (-2 points).
[READ MORE: Survey: Majority of consumers to prioritize saving money this summer]
Numerator’s survey found that consumers are also worried about the impact of high prices rippling through the economy. This includes the raised cost of everyday goods (60%, +4 points), uncertainty about how high gas prices will go (52%, +3 points), the impact on utility costs (48%, -1 point), the impact on travel costs (45%, +4 points) and the impact on delivery or shipping costs (44%, +3 points). A third (34%) of drivers are concerned about the possibility of gas shortages or limited availability (+3 points).
Numerator’s Gas Prices survey was fielded on May 1, 2026 to 1,025 U.S. vehicle owners who made a purchase in the gas & convenience channel in the past month. The previous survey was fielded on April 2, 2026 to 1,025 U.S. vehicle owners who made a purchase in the gas & convenience channel in March 2026.
