High Gas Prices Slamming Shops

From local stores in Medford’s downtown to big chain coffee shops, the price of gas is coming through products, to you -the consumer. No matter how much you decrease your carbon footprint.

Gas is guzzling profits. “You kind of learn to be creative when it gets to this point,” says 38 Central restaurant owner and executive chef David Graham says high fuel costs are effecting his costs.

“Once gas hits that three to four dollar range, they don’t have a way to raise their prices, so they tack on a 5-10 dollar charge that allows them to compensate for the price of gas,” Graham tells us.

Right now in Medford, the average price for a gallon of gas is $4.13 a gallon. The cheapest can be found at Costco for 3.99, but you’ve got to have a membership.

Molly English of Medford tells us, “I try not to go too far if I don’t have to, but I wish they’d bring the prices down.” Forcing businesses who are trying to keep expenses down to get creative. “We work with several local vendors, so we’re trying to create a cooperative trucking.”

According to Reuters, fuel cost are expected to plateau this summer. but many are speculative. “How high the gas has gone already, it’s hard to say what’s going to happen in the next three months.”

And for now, Graham says they’re trying to swallow the increase. “If I can absorb that cost, as long as it’s marginally small, we want to go forward like that.” Everyone picking up the tab for higher gas prices.

Now, according to AAA, the national average for a gallon of gas is $3.92. That’s almost 20 cents higher than this time last year.

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