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Oil increases trigger price hikes, stop fishermenDate Posted: 2008-07-04 Out of control oil prices are forcing people to reevaluate what they do, and when they do it. Fishermen have kept their boats moored to the piers, saying it’s too costly to go out on the water. They say the costs of operating their fishing vessels outweigh the potential profits from the fish they catch. Truckers are saying the same think. The Prefecture Truck Association has stopped doing some business, citing some are on the verge of losing their livelihood. “We have to raise prices to customers,” one director says. “Otherwise, we’ll go out of business.” Consumers are seeing direct blows to their pocketbooks and wallets on everything from bread, cakes, spaghetti, milk, corn, eggs and olive oils, to meats, candies, vegetables, ice cream and beef. They’re screaming, and that frustrates service companies, wholesalers and retailers alike, who are also complaining “How can we make consumers understand” our prices are up, so we have to pass them on.” One candy factory has taken to putting less candy in each bag, rather than raise prices. Other factories are doing likewise; a bread company is making loaves shorter than before, hoping consumers won’t really notice. Consumers are looking at ways to cut costs, starting with reductions in driving. Some are switching to bicycles, and a lot of people are saying “It’s good exercise for health,” so it could be beneficial. |
   
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