Cleveland Business Owners Face Soaring Gas Prices

It’s been a tough year at the pump. After dropping below $2 a gallon as the pandemic took hold, prices for fuel — and other retail items — have risen considerably. In fact, gas prices passed $4 a gallon for the first time since 2008. Here’s how the increase has affected people across town. 

Greater Cleveland RTA: 30 Cents Less per Gallon
RTA, like many governmental agencies, can buy their fuel in bulk — and without being taxed. It’s also part of an energy price risk program that allows for fuel hedging. Last year, diesel cost $2.05 per gallon, compared to around $1.77 this year. “We are actually in a good position here in that we have cost stability,” says RTA chief operating officer Floun’say Caver. 

Stuffed With Amazing Taste Food Trucks: $10,000-$15,000 More per Year
Owner Dan Molnar says he’s on track to spend double what he normally spends. “It costs $250 in gas just for one event. We’re now charging an on-site fee and increased prices. I have to because I can’t eat all that cost. Our profit margins are shot."

Commodore at Intercity Yacht Club: $500 More per Week
Thomas “Rock” Adams isn’t spending much more; he’s cutting back on places he’ll visit. He’ll cruise the Flats, but trips to the Lake Erie Islands or Detroit might be casualties of gas prices. 

Akron Lyft/Uber Driver: $60-$100 More per Week
“A lot of it is city miles; my mileage isn’t even that great,” says driver Ryan Isley. “I only buy gas at GetGo. If you link your Advantage card to your debit card, it’s 5 to 30 cents a gallon cheaper. It doesn’t seem like a lot, but if you’re filling up every day, it really makes a difference.”

Lakewood Commuter: $100-$200 More per Week
Rebecca Smolenski is a corporate trainer whose travels take her to the Akron-Canton area. “I try to use Zoom for training as much as humanly possible. If I had to drive every day like I did before COVID, my whole check would be gone.”

Cactus Jack Landscaping: $500 More per Week
“Everything we use is gas-powered or diesel,” says owner Jack Kinzie. “Anything petroleum-based is through the roof. We’ve had to raise prices, anywhere from 6% to 10% across the board.”