Poll: Oil Companies Blamed for Gas Prices

According to Public Policy Polling results released Tuesday, 43 percent of respondents feel big oil companies are driving up gas prices to boost their profits. Another 28 percent feel President George W. Bush and the war in Iraq are driving up the cost at the pump.

The poll also shows gas prices are having an impact on how North Carolinians drive.

Almost 90 percent of respondents said they are very concerned about the cost of the gas, and six out of 10 said they've changed driving habits to conserve gas.

Despite the high prices, state residents said they still aren't sold on public transportation. More than half said have no plans to start using alternative transportation, which the poll defined as public transportation, carpooling, bicycling or walking.

Public Policy Polling asked 563 North Carolinians to complete the survey. The poll has a margin of error of 4.1percent.