Businesses reeling from gasoline/diesel prices

Gary Doles is concerned enough about the cost of gasoline that he takes note of prices every morning on the way to his store, Blooming Crazy.

“I drive by a gas station and wonder, “Did prices go up last night?” the owner of the Boardman florist shop said.

The answer is often “Yes.”

The national average price for regular gasoline has increased 11 straight weeks and is once again pushing $3 a gallon.

The increases have area businesses watching their expenses to try to save money and in some cases tacking on extra fees to cover their fuel costs.

Doles said he’s been gradually increasing his delivery fees, which are now $6 for local runs and $7 or $8 for outlying areas. The local fee was $4 two years ago.

“You’re not making any money on it. You’re trying to cover your costs,” he said.

For the complete story, read Friday's Vindicator and Vindy.com.