Americans are divided as to whether U.S. will face critical energy shortage in next five years

PRINCETON, NJ -- As gas prices continue to rise in the United States, 42% of Americans describe the energy situation as "very serious," slightly above the historical average of 38%, but lower than at several other points since Gallup first asked the question in 1977.





The high point in energy concern, 58%, came in May 2001, another time of rising gas prices, which were contemporaneous with rolling blackouts in California due to energy shortages. Usually, at least 40% of Americans have said the energy situation was very serious during times of higher gas prices, such as in 1979, 2008, and this year. However, the current percentage of 42% is slightly lower than what Gallup measured last year (45%), in 2008 (46%), and in 1979 (47%).

The low point in perceptions of the energy situation as very serious, 22%, came in 2002.

Americans are divided over the future U.S. energy situation, with 50% saying the United States is likely to face a critical energy shortage during the next five years and 46% saying it is not likely to. Americans' opinions on this matter have fluctuated over time, including a higher 61% predicting an energy shortage last year and 62% in 2008. The historical average, which also includes a 45% reading from 1978, is 53%.





Assessments of the U.S. energy situation vary little by subgroup, including by political party affiliation. However, older Americans are somewhat more likely to express concern than are younger Americans.





Implications

Rising gas prices are beginning to catch Americans' attention, as noted by the increase this month in the percentage naming it as the most important problem facing the country. But gas prices still rate behind other issues as the most important problem, and though a substantial minority of Americans describe the U.S. energy situation as very serious, it is only slightly above the historical average.

Americans' views about the seriousness of the energy situation over the next several months are likely going to be determined by the trajectory of gas prices -- which typically rise in the spring and summer months before falling in the late summer and fall -- as well as whether gas prices surpass the record high set in 2008.