8 Trends Behind The Plunge In Gasoline Sales

[FarCenter]

Reasons for Plunge in Gasoline Sales in Order of Importance

1.Huge rise in those "not in labor force"
2.Boomer demographics and retirement (much of it forced)
3.Chronic long-term unemployment
4.Changing social trends in younger generations, no doubt accelerated by the recession and student debt
5.Declining real wages leave consumers with less discretionary spending cash (think shorter vacations closer to home)
6.High price of gasoline
7.Increase in online shopping means fewer trips
8.Improved fuel rates and cash-for-clunkers


http://www.businessinsider.com/8-trends-behind-the-plunge-in-gasoline-sales-2012-4

[cottage10]

1. 9. Those hideous, repulsive Hummers are now out of style

I used to see several around my small city, but very few these days. I hope those behemoths cost their stupid owners an arm and a leg!

[gratuitous]

2. Another trend is consumers wising up

When filling the tank costs the better part of a C-note, consumers begin noticing, and become less mindless in their driving habits. If you're thinking about running down to the store for a gallon of milk, you think of what else you might need, and where else along the route you might go to save trips in the car. This is bad for a culture that depends so heavily on consumers mindlessly consuming. When consumers are thinking more critically about their buying habits (Do I really need to run out and get that item?), discretionary spending, even when you have the cash, declines.