Content about Gasoline and diesel usage and pricing

A new study of the impact of rising gasoline prices on consumer spending shows that gasoline prices of $4.25 per gallon could cut estimated 2012 retail sales growth from its current 5.7% pace to an anemic 2.3%. 

The Home Channel Stock Roundup shows 10 out of 10 companies ahead of last month. Also, gas prices slipped up to an average of $3.39 for a gallon of regular.

An index of consumer sentiment rose for the fourth month in a row, gaining 5.8 points and reaching its highest level since last June. The Reuters/University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index hit 69.9 points in December, and researchers pointed to falling gasoline prices, mildly better employment prospects, an uptick in the stock market and real income growth. 

The Consumer Watch section of the Dashboard shows gas prices holding steady at $3.29 per gallon of regular. On the Stock Roundup, Tractor Supply, Fastenal, Home Depot and Lowe's lead the field.

Consumer Confidence has fallen to an index of 39.8, compared with 49.9 last year. At least gas prices are improving slightly.

Stocks continued to show monthly declines, but not as much as last week. Gas prices, meanwhile, held steady at $3.59 per gallon of regular.

Housing starts, with nowhere to go but up, showed month-to-month improvement in May. Gas prices have retreated about 25 cents per gallon compared with a month ago.

While housing starts and existing-home sales showed disappointing declines, gas prices also retreated. 

Several readers sounded off on the rising price of gas and its relation to business success.

Here's what we heard when we asked them to describe the impact of rising gas prices on business.

"Not too bad an impact yet, but this is our slow season anyway. I hate to think what will happen if it continues to rise all summer. [If so,] it would definitely have a major negative impact on our business in the fall."
— Jack Bransfield

The Home Channel Stock Roundup shows Tractor Supply Co. lighting up the grid -- up 15% from the month and 90% for the year.

Gas prices are high, too -- rising to $3.74 per gallon of regular, compared with $3.62 last week.

The national unemployment rate unexpectedly slipped one-tenth of a percentage point to 8.9% in February.

But the big movement among consumer data was in gas prices, up 15 cents to a national average of $3.50 for regular gallon of gas. If gas prices continue to rise, expect consumer confidence to slip from its February reading of 70.4.