But . . . but . . . but . . . big oil!

(WaPo) — A third of all Americans say surging gasoline prices have caused serious financial hardship in their households, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll, with more than six in 10 reporting some pinch.

President Obama continues to be harshly reviewed for his handling of the situation, even as he eludes some of the direct blame.

Feelings of hardship and public judgment on the president are little changed over the past month, despite continually rising prices, suggesting some may be accommodating themselves to higher pump prices. The Department of Energy reports that over the past four weeks, the average price of a gallon has risen 11 cents to $3.94 across the country.

A year ago, the last time gas prices flirted with the $4-a-gallon-mark, more than four in 10 reported serious financial hardship as a result. And when gas did hit a record high of $4.01 in June 2008, more than half — 51 percent — reported a severe pinch.

The political angle on gas prices extends beyond hardship to where people place blame. Obama is taking a beating in public opinion on his dealings with gas prices. Just 28 percent approve of the job he is doing in this area; 62 percent disapprove, with half saying they disapprove “strongly.” Those are among the worst ratings on any issue during his presidency.