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With fuel prices hovering around $3.00per gallon nationwide, American consumers say they are more concerned about high gas prices than about terrorism or the economy as a whole.

These are findings from the inaugural National Analysts Worldwide “Foods, Fats and Fuels” study completed in March that surveyed a nationally representative sample of 502 consumers via the web.

The survey results showed 83% of respondents were concerned about high gas prices while 62% were worried about terrorism and 69% were concerned about the economy as a whole.

Soaring gas prices, have consumers eyeing alternative energy sources such as biofuels. Among those familiar with biofuels, most (72%) view them as a good way to reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil and generate renewable energy supplies (70%).

However, the National Analysts Worldwide study shows that there is limited consumer understanding about biofuels. More than one in three (36%) consumers says they have never heard of biofuels. And, among those who have, there is uncertainty about the net benefits. Only half (52%) are convinced that biofuels produce less greenhouse gas than fossil fuels and two-thirds (65%) are not sure whether biofuels require more energy to make than they contain.

Consumer demand for biofuels ultimately comes down to cost. Even though 59% of consumers claim to be “very concerned” about the environment, four in ten of those familiar with biofuels say their decision to buy depends on whether the cost is lower than gasoline; only 12% are willing to pay any sort of premium.

“At the moment, consumer demand for biofuels is propelled almost entirely by pocketbook considerations,” notes Debra Kossman, Ph.D., Senior Vice President, National Analysts Worldwide. “With gas prices at an all-time high, large numbers of consumers are prepared to entertain the use of biofuels and other sources of alternative energy but there is little conviction behind those opinions. At the moment, public perception is being shaped in an information vacuum – which means it can be reshaped rather quickly.”

While most consumers are open to the prospect of alternative fuels, 5% of drivers said they would not be willing to purchase biofuel for their own vehicle, even if it cost less per year than gasoline. These respondents voice concern about potential harm to their vehicle’s engine and/or performance, the untested nature of biofuels, and a fear that there will not be enough locations from which to purchase biofuels.

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