NY1 Exclusive: Most New Yorkers Feel Pain At The Gas Pump

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Across the nation, people are feeling the pinch at the gas pump, and an exclusive NY1/Marist College poll shows that even in New York, the cost of fuel is putting put a dent in family's budgets. NY1's Josh Robin filed the following report.

The gas fumes are not the only thing making drivers sick to their stomach; it's the cost of filling up.

"Let's just say that I'm going into the supermarket and I can't afford to buy as much as I usually would," said one New Yorker.

"Credit card bills, gas and food, and I don't know which is worse," said another.

"I'm in the car business down here and it's all everybody is talking about," said a third.

Full Poll Info

View the full poll information and methodology.

The survey questions in this article have a margin of error of +/-4 percentage points.

A large majority of respondents in a new NY1/Marist College poll -- 78 percent -- say they feel a great deal or moderate amount of financial strain from the pump. Just 22 percent report little strain at all or none at all.

"The lower the income, the more severe the impact on the financial impact for families. That's not surprising, but it certainly drives home just how significant these numbers are for people," said NY1/Marist College pollster Lee Miringoff.

It is a worse problem upstate. But in the city, drivers are also upset, especially those who do it for a living.

"The feeling is bad, but what you can do? You have to try, or you drive more," said Patris Larrieux, a taxi driver. "You try to survive because you don't get a choice."

About 58 percent of respondents say gas prices has changed their driving habits but 42 percent say it hasn't.

The good news is that some think gas prices have peaked. The threat of conflict with Iran has cooled and futures on gas prices have fallen.

Most say they will not let high costs stop summer fun.

About 64 percent say they're not likely to alter their summer vacation plans and 35 percent say it's likely it will. Only 1 percent are not sure.

"No summer plans at all this year. I'm definitely staying close to home. I'll definitely be making my backyard my getaway this year," said one driver.