Consumers Shopping around for Cheaper Gasoline, Says New Survey By TNS.

NEW YORK -- Two-thirds of American consumers say they'll shop around to buy the cheapest gas, and nearly half will go out of their way to fill their tanks at a lower price per gallon, according to a new study from TNS, one of the world's leading providers of market information.

But despite the rising price of gasoline--in the vicinity of $3 a gallon in most of the country--half of all Americans say that they're not letting that added financial burden affect their shopping habits, at least for now.

The study, conducted September 10 and 11, 2005 via TNS' Express Telephone Omnibus, queried 622 American consumers who regularly purchase gasoline. It reveals that while 50.8% are not letting the higher price at the pump affect purchase of groceries and other basic household goods, more than a quarter of men and women, mostly those who are younger and in lower income brackets, are trimming back their expenditures on household goods to make up for the increased cost of fuel.

Of those consumers cutting back, they are doing so by reducing spending on discretionary food items, including soft drinks, cookies, candies and snacks, as well as laundry and household cleaning items. For now, at least, consumers are maintaining their spending on prescriptions and other health and personal hygiene items.

The search for lower prices at the pump is particularly prevalent among consumers under the age of 45, reaching 72.9% among consumers 18-34 and a high of 75.3% among those in the 35-44 age bracket, likely reflecting the driving habits of busy families who shuttle children to and from activities. A much higher percentage of consumers living in Western states are also far more likely (57%) go out of their way to tank up on cheaper gas, as well.

American consumers are somewhat less definitive when they look ahead at the potential impact gas prices will have on their wallets in the next 30 days. While slightly fewer than half of all men (49.6%) think they will change their spending habits to accommodate higher gas prices, less than 40% of women believe the that the high cost of gas can continue to have "no impact" on their shopping habits, and, in fact, more than a quarter expect to either cut back on grocery spending to buy gas or cut back on their gasoline purchases to buy groceries.

About TNS

TNS is a market information group. We are the world's largest custom research company and a leading provider of social and political polling. We are also a major supplier of consumer panel, TV audience measurement and media intelligence services.

TNS operates a global network spanning 70 countries and employs over 13,000 people. We provide market information and measurement, together with insights and analysis, to local and multinational organisations.

We combine our specialist sector knowledge with expertise in the areas of new product development, motivational research, brand and advertising research and stakeholder management to bring our clients up-to-the minute, internationally consistent information.

We think differently to help our clients build competitive advantage, making TNS the sixth sense of business.

www.tns-global.com