WASHINGTON — Most registered voters believe raising taxes on oil companies would hike costs for consumers and oppose boosting energy taxes now, according to a poll unveiled Tuesday.

Oil industry leaders and lobbyists say the new polling data, from a Harris Interactive survey commissioned by the American Petroleum Institute, helps them make the case that lawmakers should preserve a suite of cherished industry tax breaks that date back decades.

According to the survey results, 7 out of 10 registered voters believe raising taxes on oil and natural gas companies could drive up energy costs for consumers. And 81 percent think “now is not the time for politicians in Washington to raise energy taxes.”

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