WOODBRIDGE, Va. — Gas prices have fallen in recent weeks, but lower income families say they don’t feel the decrease.
The average price for a gallon of gas in the Potomac Communities is $3.57, according to AAA Mid-Atlantic’s Fuel Price Finder. The price of fuel on the east coast has fallen about 30 cents in the last month, but on its risen on the west coast about 11 cents, the price per gallon now hovering around $4.16.
How much families earn may determine their thoughts and perceptions about gas prices, according to a new report from the Pew Research Center.
Of households surveyed making $75,000 per year or more, 56 percent told researchers gas prices have fallen. But in households earning $30,000 a year or less, those families said prices have gone up, according to the report.
And while there’s no surprise here, there seems to be a political divide on when it comes to the perception of falling gas prices.
Republicans surveyed were more likely than Democrats to say gas prices dropped. Democrats are divided, as 47 percent said prices dropped, while 42 percent said gas went up.
According to those surveyed belonging to the GOP, 59 percent say prices have gone down, while 33 percent say they have gone up.
When it comes to Independents, 53 percent said prices have gone down, while 38 percent say they have gone up, according to the Pew report.
