Consumers appear to be coping with current economic conditions, but the rise of gas prices to $4 has had a significant impact. This price point seems to be a threshold beyond which consumers are changing their behavior. The effect of higher gas prices is being felt in the way people manage their fuel consumption, with some, like Costco members, adapting by filling up more frequently. This shift suggests that consumers are preparing for potential further price increases, indicating a growing concern about the overall cost of living.

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