Published: June 19, 2012 Updated: June 20, 2012 8:53 a.m.

Survey: 80% of self-employed hurt by gas costs

  

By JAN NORMAN / ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

Eight out of 10 self-employed Americans say their businesses have been hurt by volatile gas and energy prices, according to a new survey by the National Association for the Self Employed.

Even though prices have eased recently, they had soared in the spring, causing the self-employed to make changes in their business habits, the survey reports.

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More than half (55.3%) of the self-employed (fewer than 10 employees) said they have reduced their business travel and more than a third (36.9%) have raised prices because of the cost of energy and fuel, the survey found. One in seven said their business had not been impacted by gas or energy prices.

"High gas prices are still hurting the self-employed, many of whom depend on their vehicles to conduct the day-to-day work of their businesses," said NASE President Kristie L. Arslan.

Gasoline prices at least have been coming down in June.

In Orange County a gallon of regular gasoline was selling Tuesday for an average of $3.93, down 12 cents from a week ago and down 43 cents in a month. Nationally, gas is selling for an average $3.50 a gallon, down 4 cents from a week ago and down 19 cents from a month ago.

Almost half  (42%) of those surveyed said they are spending more than $250 a month on gasoline (the highest price category listed on the survey). Nearly 70% said they had changed their driving behavior because of fuel costs.

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