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Rising Gas Prices Affecting More than Just the Price at the Pump

A few years ago, I recall shopping for a new vehicle. I had considered getting a hybrid vehicle, but they were on order. The car salesman did the math and showed me that gas would have to be above $2.50 a gallon to simply balance out the extra cost of the hybrid. $2.50 a gallon for gas? That was insanity - or so I thought. Today, as gas prices hover close to $4.00 a gallon, those seem like the good ol' days. But, rising gas prices are affecting Americans more than just the price they pay at the pump.

Food costs, from the basics like eggs and milk to meals at your favorite restaurant, are rising due to increased costs related to rising gas prices. Other purchasables, including: clothing, electronics, and more have risen in price, due to climbing costs of transportation, due to gas prices. Charities too have felt the pinch. Programs like Meals on Wheels have seen their volunteer numbers reduced to a third of those willing to donate their time and their gasoline. And, of course, there are those items more directly related to skyrocketing fuel costs such as air travel, cruises, bus travel, and train travel.

In the end, although the price we pay at the pump may be the most visual evidence of rising gas prices, the effects go far beyond the pump.