WRIC Richmond News and Weather - Grocery Costs Increase Because Of Gas Prices
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Grocers and customers alike have already seen an increase in their groceries. Economists tell us the price increase can be blamed for the slowing economy and high gas prices.
Ukrop's Supermarket Chairman Bobby Ukrop's tells 8News that he's seen prices go up on many products in the last year.
8News did some digging and compiled a short list of prices according to the Consumer Price Index and the USDA
Now places like Ukrop's have been doing what it can to cut costs, but with gas surcharges on deliveries, the chain has to pass part of that cost onto its shoppers.
Ukrop says he believes many shoppers understand the increases and are doing what they can to save money too. He says, "No one wants to charge more. We all want to make a profit, but it's important to give the best possible value to the customers. It becomes hard when your costs keep going up at a very high rate." Ukrop also adds that, "During this time, when it is more challenging for consumers, they're using coupons; they're taking advantage of deals."
To give a comparison of how high gas prices are in Virginia, 8news has compiled the following:
Costumers are currently paying $3.11 a gallon. This is only $0.03 cheaper than the all-time Virginia high set in September 2005 after Hurricane Katrina.
8News talked with officials at AAA Mid-Atlantic and they tell us prices will likely get worse before they get better.
AAA Mid-Atlantic Spokesperson Windy VanCuren says, "Prices are already very high. We haven't yet flipped over to summer blend gasoline and we haven't seen the summer demand... When all of that happens, you'll see prices go up even more."
Remember, for the cheapest gas prices in your neighborhood, visit Gas Buddy.
Stay with 8News on the rising gas and food costs.
Copyright 2008 by Young Broadcasting, Inc.
