ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Consumers are less concerned about gas prices when deciding which pit stop to use than they have been in previous years. In 2018, 58% of customers said price was the most important factor in their decision to pick a gas station, a gradual decrease over the past few years, according to Consumer Behavior at the Pump, an annual survey conducted by NACS.
In 2017, 61% said price was the leading factor. In 2016, it was 64%, and in 2015, it was 71%.
“Nearly 40 million Americans fill up their vehicles every day,” Alexandria, Va.-based NACS said. “How they drive, consider gas prices and determine whether to shop inside a convenience store for food, snacks and beverages has a profound impact on the retail channel that sells 80% of the fuel purchased in the United States.”
NACS surveyed more than 1,100 U.S. fuels consumers between Jan. 17-23, 2019, to study their driving habits and gas-buying behavior. The report aims to provide retailers with opportunities to increase consumer engagement in these areas.
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