Gas prices are one reason consumers choose one retailer over another. This is because these prices reflect on an individual's budget. In case prices are too high, consumers may find measures to increase fuel economy. This may include less use of motor vehicles and the use of public transport to get from one place to another. Another measure consumers can take is purchasing more fuel-efficient vehicles if fuel prices rise. In the case of lower fuel prices, consumers are more extravagant at the pump and may even purchase less fuel-efficient vehicles due to the low price of gas. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The Relationship Gas Prices Have with Consumer SalesWhen gas prices rise, filling up at the gas pump becomes more expensive, and as a result, shoppers are left with less to spend on other things. High gas prices or even low gas prices have an effect on the overall economy. When gas prices rise, retailers are forced to pass the burden of increased shipping costs onto consumers, increasing the cost of goods. Shoppers will therefore drive less to afford other goods and services. Rising fuel prices cause a sudden increase in the number of passengers in public transport. This is because most of these people live on tight budgets and have to give up buying gasoline to buy other important things (Folger). Vehicle sales can also be affected by the price of fuel. Consumers may be persuaded to purchase a particular type of automobile due to the daily cost of fuel. This is because most people are willing to buy a good car despite being a big fuel guzzler. In this chart from Wards Auto showing 2011 car sales, over the months, you can see that the cost of fuel directly affects the type of vehicle sales. In general, all kinds of vehicles will be sold all year round. At some point, when fuel prices are low, most people will buy trucks, and as fuel prices rise, the number of trucks sold decreases. On the other hand, as fuel prices fall, fewer and fewer people buy cars, and as they rise, there is a surge in the number of cars sold (Drivingfueleconomy.com). Recently, when fuel prices hit a five-year low, the vehicles sold in December 2015 hit a 3 percent low in average fuel economy. This is because consumers purchased new vehicles with current fuel prices in mind and less concern about future costs. Therefore, public attention on falling gas prices results in the purchase of cars with lower fuel economy (Youth). Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Gas prices, therefore, have an effect on consumer sales and the economy in general. The volatility of gas prices makes it difficult to budget as fuel costs are directly reflected in almost every product we purchase today. This makes fuel prices such an important part of the economy. Without stable fuel prices, companies struggle to allocate working capital and.