Oil prices spread to grapes, TVs, pizza

[katinmn]

http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0329/p01s01-usec.html

Oil prices spread to grapes, TVs, pizza
By Alexandra Marks and Robert Tuttle
Christian Science Monitor
March 29, 2005

NEW YORK – Christie Baker, owner of Flowers on the Green, recently had to hike the cost of a delivery in Guilford, Conn., from $6 to $8 to make up for the higher cost of gas. In La Jolla, Calif., Domino's just increased the amount it pays delivery drivers by a nickel a trip: They now get 95 cents to transport a large pepperoni, but it's still not enough to cover the cost, says assistant manager Donald Cunningham. And at Meyers Moving & Storage in New York City, they're now charging $15 more an hour to move from an apartment on the East Side to the West. Owner Guy Drori says the rates may go up again come summer.

The hike in oil prices is beginning to ripple through the economy, pinching consumers at places far beyond the gas pump.

During the past year, the robust economy absorbed much of the increase in energy costs. Competition for consumers helped, and kept many businesses from passing along the spike in fuel costs. But with gas prices hovering around new record highs, and the cost of diesel keeping pace, many businesses are finding they can no longer absorb the increased costs. That was reflected last Tuesday in the Producer Price Index, which rose 0.4 percent in February.

And though prices have eased in recent days, they remain well above $50 a barrel, and many expect them to stay high. So air travelers on international routes are now seeing huge fuel surcharges, the cost of a bunch of grapes is up a few cents, and economists expect to see costs increase on an array of manufactured goods from televisions to toasters.

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http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0329/p01s01-usec.html

[Pacifist Patriot]

1. The price hikes are in everything...

We're gradually recarpeting our house and have seen the price on our carpet climb 7 times in the last year. An array of manufactured goods? Everything has to be delivered somewhere. Oil prices are insidiously affecting our standard of living. I wish the media would stop tip toeing around the issue.

[katinmn]

3. I'm seeing it everywhere, too. Pretty hard to ignore at the grocery store!

[nolabels]

2. Really a "spike" is not the correct word, more like "hover"

Our gas prices in So Cal are normally around $2.00 but have always inched higher especially as of late. Filled my empty tank yesterday with super ($2.59 a gallon) and it took $46.29. That will last me about 2 weeks. Them folks that drive long commutes to work in them big SUV's must be feeling it now. I can also bet some of them are sure glad they voted bush

[katinmn]

4. One can hope they are experiencing buyer's remorse

Things will have to get a little bit worse, though, I'm afraid. Maybe by mid-summer.

[hadrons]

5. naw, the 'morans' will just point the finger elsewhere ...

like the greens ("them libruil enviros are like watermelons ... green on the outside and red on the inside!!!")

[XemaSab]

11. Hey now

I resemble that remark!

[KansDem]

10. I would like to think "some of them are sure glad they voted Bush..."

...in the spirit suggested by your post, but I hazard to guess that Bush supporters are "sure glad we can drill in ANWR now!" After all, once ANWR oil starts to flow, the price will come down and we'll be free of imported oil! (/sarcasm)

[sidpleasant]

6. Bush in 99: "[President] must jawbone OPEC members to lower the price"

During the 2000 campaign Bush said that the president must "get on the phone with the OPEC cartel and say, 'we expect you to open your spigots.'" He also promised to "use the capital my administration will earn, with the Kuwaitis or the Saudis, and convince them to open up the spigot."

Just one more broken Bush promise.

And didn't his pal Prince Bandar promise to lower oil prices during the election?

[SammyWinstonJack]

7. One member of the WH Puppy dog Press should remind

the Liar in Chief what he said way back in 2000. I won't hold my breath waiting for that to happen.

[Delphinus]

8. Am I the only one

who just doesn't see the robust economy? Either last year or this? I can't believe they get away with saying that bs.

[Pacifist Patriot]

9. I know at least two more people who don't see it.

My sister and brother-in-law who are both looking for jobs.

[BiggJawn]

12. Where are the "It'd be GREAT if it cost $10 a gallon" trolls NOW?

After flaming until I was scorched trying to convince these "Oh, I don't care, I'll WALK to Spendurbux" blockheads that higher fuel prices hurt the poor more than SUV jockeys...

Excuse me if I don't do my little "Vindication Dance", I'm kinda tired.

[VegasWolf]

13. Damn that Clenis. n/t

[The_Casual_Observer]

14. Just a second! I thought the "experts" claimed that the price

is still 1000 times lower in "real" dollars, and it would have to hit $8 before we would notice it. This must be that stoopid libural media again.