Rising gas prices on Monday were putting the squeeze on central Ohio drivers and almost every industry that relies on them, including farmers and charities.
For the second week in a row, the cost of gas jumped 12 cents across Ohio and some analysts believes it could soon be in record territory, 10TV's Chuck Strickler reported.
In addition to feeling the pain at the pump, the impact of higher gas prices are hitting grocery store shelves.
The Mitchell family has farmed fields outside of Plain City for almost 200 years.
"I've gone from a 4-row corn planer to a 16-row corn planter," said Jim Mitchell. "We'll plant the soybeans and then we'll spray it for the weed."
Mitchell hopes to have another bumper corn crop this year and has spent his time lately preparing the equipment he will use to plant.
VIDEO EXTRA: Charity Impact | SPECIAL SECTION: Traffic, Find Gas Prices
It all runs on diesel fuel. When prices started going up in January, Mitchell bought 3,000 gallons, saving about 40 cents a gallon from what the price is now, Strickler reported.
Even though Mitchell has prepared for his direct fuel costs, he said rising prices mean supplies like fertilizer and transportation will cost more this year.
"We have to pay that surcharge, just as you do, when you got to the grocery store and buy your food," Mitchell said.
The most recent Consumer Price Index report showed food prices at grocery stores rose almost 3 percent in the last year, meaning milk, bread, vegetables and meat all cost you more.
Charities that rely heavily on transportation are also feeling the pinch.
Meals on Wheels said rising gas is forcing volunteers to reconsider and could mean the charity will have to turn people away, 10TV's Shayla Reaves reported.
Rising fuel costs are impacting nearly every aspect of LifeCare Alliance's Meals on Wheels.
"When gas prices rise by, literally a third or more, it absolutely hurts what we do every day," said Chuck Gehring, director of LifeCare Alliance. "We could lose $300,000 to $400,000 as an agency this year, most of it due to gas prices."
Two volunteers have already told the agency they can no longer volunteer, quitting because they cannot afford to pay for the gas it takes to deliver meals.
For the first time, LifeCare Alliance said it is considering putting new clients on a waiting list, which means they would no longer guarantee a meal within 24 hours of calling.
A survey from AAA, the Oil Price Information Service and Wright Express puts the statewide average price for regular-grade gasoline at $3.79 a gallon, compared to $3.67 last Monday.
One month ago, Ohio motorists were paying an average of $3.56 for regular. Last year at this time the state average was $2.82 per gallon.
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