The price of gas has surged, with gas prices reaching a multiyear high of $4 a gallon and causing significant financial strain on commuters who commute by car. The average daily cost of the commute to work has risen by 11% to $17.17 a day, including maintenance, tolls, and parking, according to consulting firm Gartner. Commuters are struggling to absorb the energy shock, with the national average for gasoline rising by more than a dollar since Feb. 28, the largest monthly increase GasBuddy has recorded. Despite this, transportation costs are still the second-largest household cost after housing, accounting for 17% of expenditures. The cost of transportation has also increased, with transportation costs accounting for nearly half of an average family's total spending. The rise in gas prices has already led to increased consumer sentiment, leading to fears about the economy and a decrease in consumer spending.