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PELHAM, N.Y. While the nationwide gas price is $3.80 per gallon, according to various news outlets, the price of gas in Pelham and surrounding New York communities hovers over $4 per gallon, which has many residents and gas station owners feeling the pain at the pump.
Its tough, said the owner of the Citgo on Wolfs Lane in Pelam, Pete Telesco. When they raise me, I raise the customer. I have no choice. Im not making any more money. Someone somewhere is, thats the problem. People are just going to have to learn to drive a little less, small cars, stuff like that.
The New Rochelle resident believes that the problem stems from the issues that the country is having with Iraq and Iran and he would like to see the U.S. use more of its own gas.
Paul Bencivengo, who owns the Gulf gas station, also on Wolfs Lane, agreed with Telesco, but does not see the issue getting any better, as he believes the gas prices will increase.
I dont think theyre gonna stop not going up, Bencivengo said. Probably hit the 6 bucks like everybodys talking about. It is what it is. Ive gotta pay it.
The White Plains resident believes that the price elevation will not only hurt people in the wallet, but also prevent them from taking vacations that they normally might go on.
Itll definitely affect their summers, Bencivengo said. You know you can spend so much. They cant put gas in their car to drive wherever they wanted to drive, so theyre not gonna make it. Then itll affect the resorts where they were gonna go. So, it just rumbles on down.
Bencivengo also mentioned the far-reaching effects of higher gas prices.
Unfortunately, its making all the food go up, clothes and everything, Bencivengo said. I just feel bad for the people who really cant afford it.
Mike Grund and Dave Katz, co-owners and executive chefs of the Depot Market, share the same sentiment as Bencivengo, as they are affected by the fuel surcharges.
Shipping, delivery service, the price of food goes up exponentially, Grund said. Instead of seeing customers four or five times a week, were seeing them twice. People we see twice a week, we see maybe once every other week.
Katz added that delivery costs go up, which makes them charge more for sandwiches.
Lunch is one of those things, if lets say theyre cutting back, they (people) skip lunch. They bring a bagged lunch or something small to hold them over and then they dont want our lunch. They have a nice dinner. Thats where we feel it, Katz said.
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