From lillies to limos, rising gas prices are starting to sting consumers on items sold at places far from the pump. And business owners who say they've been absorbing higher energy costs to hold onto customers in a slowing economy say they may not be able to continue if gasoline prices push much higher. Over the past six weeks, the price of gas has increased by 32 cents a gallon, or 22 percent, according to the survey of 20 Rhode Island gas stations.
Bargain hunters can still find slightly cheaper gas.
When adjusted for inflation, gas prices are still well below levels reached during the oil crisis in the late 1970s and early 1980s. But don't tell that to business owners trying to stave off price increases or to customers who are paying more for deliveries of flowers, milk and other goods. While Krug said he is paying an extra two to three dollars for a bunch of flowers compared to last year, he said he's resisted raising the price of flowers and instead is trying to make up money on deliveries. He said the shop is considering raising delivery charges as well, but is leery to do so in a weakening economy. If you raise your prices too high, you're going to end up killing yourself . . .