Back in the summer of 2008, gas prices in the U.S. hit record highs, with an average price per gallon topping $4 a gallon.  As a result, consumers changed their behavior in order to save gas when possible.  For example, 78 percent said that they combined errands and trips where before they might not have thought twice about separate trips to the grocery store and mall.  Consumers stayed home more often, choosing to entertain at home and eat out less.  These money-saving steps were taken in an effort to save …

As credit card companies continue to raise fees on retailers, there is more motivation than ever before to offer discounts for shoppers paying cash.
Look for convenience stores to take the lead on cash discounts, as many already offer lower gas prices for cash purchases.
As other retail channels offer cash discounts, the credit card companies may get enough pressure to reduce fees for retailers.
Read Nielsen’s complete 2009 Industry Outlook in “Consumer Insight.”
View the latest issue of “Consumer Insight.”

Australians feeling the economic pinch are increasingly going online to discuss soaring fuel prices, a recent Nielsen Online study found.  
The study noted that online conversations about fuel price increases shot up by 150% since March 2008, when oil prices hit a record $110 per barrel.  Fuel discussions in online forums continued at high levels throughout the spring, peaking in May and June.
Nielsen found that 13% of those discussing fuel online say they have converted or are considering converting their car’s gasoline engine into a Liquiefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) engine as …