Louisiana is ranked in the top 10 states most vulnerable to gas price hikes for the third year in a row, according to a study released in August by the Natural Resources Defense Council.
The study ranked Louisiana fifth most vulnerable based on an income-to-gas price ratio and stated Louisiana spent an average of $2540.66 — or 7 percent — on gasoline in 2008.
Dr. Omowumi Iledare, professor and director of Energy Information Division, said the study is misleading.
“When you take two states that have completely different areas and use the index to compare them, it’s very misleading,” he said.
The idea of vulnerability must be looked into from the point of view of availability of oil and alternate fueling sources, he said.
The study should not be looked at as a reason to reduce our oil consumption but to invest in alternate forms of energy and promote conservation, he said.
 
—-Contact Kristen M’lissa Rowlett at [email protected]