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OSSINING, N.Y. Ossining resident Frank Orts isnt sure how much higher gas prices can climb before hes in trouble.
The owner of Ossinings Rubrums Florist & Gifts has noticed the price of regular gas creep up for the last several months and if prices reach any closer to $4.50 a gallon, hes going to have to change his prices.
In order to have fresh flowers you need constant deliveries and that means using gas, Orts said Friday. We havent really seen the pinch yet, but if it gets higher were of course going to have to raise our prices. My suppliers are paying increased fuel prices on ground and air transportation so their charges for us go up and what other choice do we have but to pass it on?
Orts is just one of many Ossining residents who say theyre feeling the pinch at the pump. The New York average for regular gasoline crept up to $3.974 per gallon, according to AAA New York, but the minimum price for gas in Ossining was $4.059 Friday. A week ago, the average price in New York was $3.91 and a month ago the average was $3.76. A year ago prices were down to $3.61 per gallon.
Ossining resident Joan Ponzini stopped at a Briarcliff Manor gas station Friday and said her heart immediately sank.
Its very hard for me because I drive my car for my job, Ponzini said. When I stop and I see $4.21 for regular gas, I just want to cry.
St. Louis resident Dick Peter said he felt the same way while making a delivery from New York City to Ossining Friday.
Its 35 cents higher here than it is in St. Louis but its a little lower than Manhattan if that makes people feel better, Peter said. But when I saw the Manhattan prices I was shocked. Its getting to be pretty difficult now.
Ossining resident Tessie Polygerinos agreed.
Its ridiculous, Polygerinos said. At one point not too long ago it was $3.50 and $50 was a full tank. Not long before that $30 was a full tank. That really adds up. You have to cut from your quality of life. I cant see my relatives who live in New Jersey that often anymore because we just cant afford it.
Residents looking for assistance in planning a trip or finding lower prices for gasoline are asked to visit the AAA New York website.
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