Rising gas prices have hit the economy in quite a few ways. They have changed vacation plans, increased the use of public transportation and generally made it more likely that one day I will run out, grab a few friends and tour the country-side in a groovy Electric Van.

Wal*Mart is no exception. Rising oil prices mean higher freight costs, it also means fewer people driving out to their store (the target demographic of Wal*Mart is particularly sensitive to increases in fuel prices).

As a result, Wal*Mart has reported its first profit decline in a decade. With no price reduction in energy in sight, analysts question whether Wal*Mart will be able to hit its year end target.

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