Studies show Americans hold presidents responsible for the cost of oil. (Wikimedia Commons)

The survey, conducted from March 7 through 11, puts the number of Americans who approve of the job Obama is doing at 41 percent, down from 50 percent last month. The poll also shows that 47 percent of people disapprove of the president's performance. The results are similar to another survey released Monday by ABC News/Washington Post, according to Politico.

The sudden decrease in approval can likely be attributed to rising gas prices, CBS said. Per-gallon prices have risen by 12 cents in the last two weeks, and voters have historically acknowledged they believe the president has some ability to control the cost of oil.

Obama has remained steadfast in his pledge to avoid offshore drilling, which House Republicans say could be a quick fix to lower prices.

"We can't just drill our way to lower gas prices," the president said in his weekly address on Saturday. Another option that could lower prices, making concessions with Iran, is considered off the table.

In another ABC News/Washington Post poll 49 percent Americans said that were the election held today,they would vote for Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney over Obama. The president would get 47 percent of the vote, according to the poll. A similar survey showed Obama beating out Rick Santorum by three points in the hypothetical election.

In contrast to the overall approval rating, a weekend Gallup poll showed that Obama's job approval rating rose to 49 percent, the highest it's been since early February.

___________________

Reach Kate by email.