“Business owners say they don’t like the idea of passing higher fuel costs on to their customers, but soon they may not have a choice. Jackson Pizza Pro owner Dan Cook said right now he’s able to absorb rising gas prices. But he’s already making plans for what he will have to do if it hits $4 a gallon this summer as analysts are predictin, according to the Southeast Missourian.”

“The national average price of gasoline is at its highest ever for this time of year, at $3.69 Monday.Local gas prices are about 10 cents lower than the national average, ranging from $3.49 to $3.59 per gallon, but still higher than the state average of $3.46 per gallon.The average price in Missouri has jumped 12 cents per gallon in the last week and is up 28 cents from one year ago, according to AAA.If gasoline gets to $4 a gallon, Cook said, he will raise his delivery fees.He said he will continue to offer carry-out specials for customers who don’t want to pay more for delivery. Currently his delivery charge is $1.75, and his drivers can travel up to 10 miles round-trip on one delivery.”

“Cook, who has owned Pizza Pro since 2007, said he first charged 75 cents for delivery but has increased the fee as gas prices continue to climb. Joyce Kuntze, owner of Arrangements by Joyce in Cape Girardeau, said her flower shop used to get by with just a couple hundred dollars in its fuel budget each month. Now, she spends about $500 per month on gasoline. “If gas continues to go up, we will probably have to curtail some of those special runs unless the customer is willing to pay an additional delivery fee,” she said”.