High Gas Prices Challenge Cape Coral Small Business Owners
CAPE CORAL, Fla. — Small business owners in Cape Coral are grappling with significant challenges as rising gas prices elevate their operational costs and squeeze their profit margins.
According to AAA, gas prices averaged $4.35 on Thursday, up by just over 50 cents from one month ago.
Jorge Gutierrez, owner of Grass King, noted that the cost of filling up his three trucks has surged. “This truck fills for 100 bucks. Now, I can’t even fill it with 150,” he shared. He emphasized that fuel expenses aren’t limited to his trucks; every piece of equipment he uses, including lawn mowers and edgers, relies on gas.
The increasing fuel costs are also affecting his pricing. “Some of my customers are older and I keep them at the older prices out of respect, even if I’m eating the costs,” Gutierrez explained, adding that he adjusts rates for newer customers as needed.
A study by research firm Vistage revealed that 70% of small business leaders report that fluctuating oil prices have negatively impacted their operations.
Michael Karczewski, owner of Vibrant Pool Pros, echoed these sentiments, stating, “Obviously, the more money we spend on fuel, the less we’re making. It really hurts the profits.”
Gutierrez, who offers free lawn mowing services to elderly clients, expressed concern about the high gas prices affecting his ability to help others: “You got to have it. If it’s going to be 10 to $20 a gallon, you’re going to end up paying it anyway.”
According to AAA, West Palm Beach has the highest gas prices in Florida, followed by Naples, with the Fort Myers-Cape Coral region ranking third.
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