CALGARY - It is hard to pin down exactly how big of a bite high prices are taking out of Canadian gasoline demand this summer.

But it appears consumers and businesses are changing their habits as they try to cope with gasoline prices of $1.40 and higher.

Energy industry consultant Michael Ervin says there's no doubt Canadians are using less fuel.

He says we're seeing demand for gasoline "soften" throughout North America generally.

Figures out of the United States suggest that gasoline demand is down three per cent as consumers become more aware of how much gas is costing them, says St. Louis, Missouri-based analyst Lanny Pendill.

Statistics Canada's latest numbers seem to suggest the same trend here, with gasoline sales down more than three per cent nationwide between May of this year and last.

Scott Wilson of the Alberta Motor Association says people are making minor changes to their vacation plans, but there are still plenty of vehicles out on the road this summer.

Wilson says surveys his association has conducted suggest gas prices would have to be above $1.45 per litre in Alberta - where prices are now more than 10 cents lower - in order for drivers to make major changes.

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