Ontario drivers are cutting back on discretionary spending and changing how they travel as higher fuel prices continue to squeeze household budgets, according to a new survey from CAA South Central Ontario, a trend that could also influence how consumers shop for their next vehicle.
The survey found seven in 10 Ontarians aged 35 to 54 say rising gas prices are affecting their day-to-day lives, with many reducing recreational driving, limiting road trips and trimming everyday expenses to offset higher fuel costs.
“For many Ontario families, higher gas prices aren’t just affecting how often they fill up the tank, they’re changing everyday decisions about where they go, what they buy and how they spend their money,” said Teresa Di Felice, Assistant Vice-President of government and community relations for CAA South Central Ontario.
Nearly seven in 10 respondents also said fuel prices are affecting their summer vacation plans. Among those planning road trips, almost six in 10 said higher gas prices will influence where they travel, how often they drive or how much they spend.
CAA said many drivers begin changing their behaviour when gasoline approaches $2.10 per litre, a level respondents identified as a tipping point for altering driving habits. The survey reinforces that total cost of ownership remains a key selling point.
