Local Delivery Businesses Feel Pain at the Pump

Drivers and the small businesses that employ them are feeling a lot of pain at the gas pump and Annandale is no exception.

According to AAA, the current national average for a gallon of regular gasoline is $3.98. While the average for the entire state of Virginia is lower than that, gas is priced higher at stations in Northern Virginia.

The most recent spike in oil prices can be attributed to unrest in Middle Eastern countries, but as summer approaches, experts say expect prices to continue climbing.  According to the U.S. Energy and Information Administration, fuel prices are up about 25 percent from 2010 and that could climb to 40 percent over last summer.

The Society of American Florists based in Alexandria says local florists are doing all they can to conserve fuel and money, but it isn’t easy.

“Gas prices being this high certainly pose a challenge to any small business,” said Jennifer Sparks with the S.A.F.  “Florists do their best to absorb gas prices and not have to raise prices.”

One of those florists is Jenny Kalifa who owns the Flower Den, 6960 Bradlick Shopping Center.

“So far we’re holding our ground and trying not to raise our delivery prices but I don’t know how long we can hold out,” Kalifa said.

She says she tries to arrange routes so no fuel is wasted, but that can be challenging.

“We try to wait a few hours to consolidate deliveries, but if it keeps going up, we’re going to have to raise our delivery prices,” said Kalifa.

There are a few things you can do to keep your vehicle running at peak efficiency:

• One simple measure is to make sure your tires are inflated to the optimal level.  According to cars.com and the EPA, this will increase your fuel efficiency by 3-4 percent. 
• Driving slower, say 40-55 miles per hour, will also save fuel.
• The same goes for cutting out engine revving acceleration.
• According to cars.com, however, the old adage about filling up in the morning or evening when it’s cooler and the gas is denser is just a myth. Because gas tanks are stored 15 to 20 feet below the surface, fuel usually stays at a temperature of around 55 degrees Fahrenheit.