A majority of Americans blame Russian President Vladimir Putin and oil companies for high gas prices, according to a new ABC News/Ipsos poll.
More than two-thirds of Americans blamed Putin–71 percent– and oil companies–68 percent– a “great deal” or a “good amount” for the increase in gas prices. 8 percent say neither Putin nor oil companies are responsible for the spike in gas prices.
Though the public is open to Democrats’ message, they still place a “great deal” or a “good amount” of the blame for rising cost of fuel on Democratic party policies (52%) and President Joe Biden (51%). 17 percent say rising gas prices is not due to the policies of the Democratic party while 20 percent say Biden is not to blame.
In contrast, a third of those polled blamed the policies of the Republican Party (33%) and former President Donald Trump (24%).
Putin’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine accelerated the rise in gas prices as countries levied sanctions against Russia and President Biden signed an executive order that prohibits the importation of oil, gas, coal and other energy products from Russia.
Half of those polled say paying more for fuel has not caused financial hardship for themselves or others in their household. 21% of Americans say it is causing them serious financial hardship.
The ABC News/Ipsos poll was conducted April 8-9, in both English and Spanish, among a random national sample of 530 adults. The margin of error was listed at 4.9 percent.
