Pump Up the Volume

By Amy Mikel in News on May 21, 2008 7:45PM

Chicago has just been awarded the dubious honor of having the highest gas prices in the nation, according to the latest Lundberg Survey. Area residents are paying an average of $4.07 for a gallon of regular gas, and nearly $4.60 for a gallon of diesel.

For city dwellers, it doesn’t matter if you don’t use or own a car; oil prices affect the manufacturing and transport costs of so many products and services, so everyone is feeling the crunch. It’s additionally discouraging to learn that organizations like the Greater Chicago Food Depository, meant to help those hit hardest by rising prices, are also suffering from the price of gasoline.

Some businesses actually profit when consumers are pinched for pennies. Pawnshops and repossession agencies understandably see a rise in business, and marriage counselors, as financial troubles can tend to heap stress upon a marriage. Also getting a bump? Scooter sales.

Image via Joe M500