Diane Coates pumps gasoline at the 7-Eleven store near the Shoppes of Gloucester. She said she thinks that rising fuel prices are hurting the economy. Photo by Bill Nachman

A random check of some motorists Tuesday morning found several of them having to change their shopping habits to balance rising fuel costs.

"I’m appalled at what’s going on" with rising gasoline prices, said Helen Mittleman of Gloucester Point. "I’m filling up more" to buffer against possible future price hikes.

"It’s not good for the economy," said Diane Coates of Hayes. She’s working two jobs to help cover higher costs of fuel and other commodities.

Eddie Glinsky, also of Hayes, said that the higher fuel costs affect his shopping habits. Instead of driving up to Walmart, he saves money by shopping at the Food Lion closer to his home.

Matthew Owens of Cappahosic said that higher gasoline prices means he has to raise costs on his landscaping and construction jobs—and turn down some out-of-the-area jobs because it is becoming so expensive to service some areas. If gas prices keep going up, he said, then the busy warm weather lawn care services will also likely have higher price tags.

Luke Smith of Gloucester, a commercial waterman who works in different states, said gasoline prices here may be heading up—but are still well below the almost $5 per gallon he recently paid in New York City and the $4.89/gallon he paid Monday night in Washington, D.C.

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