Crude Figures
For fisherman Mike Zamboni gas prices have made a significant dent in his business. His monthly gas bill, which used to be about $600 for his boat, now costs him around $1,100. And that means that he goes out less and catches fewer fish. It also means that he’s getting less for his fish and crabs at market because he says the consumer is less willing to buy crab when he needs to pay for gas instead. If the price keeps rising (fishermen in Europe recently went on strike in light of the even steeper gas prices there) he says, “It won’t be worth it to go [fishing] anymore.”
Steve O’Meara, owner of Kokatat Watersports Wear in Arcata, says that rising fuel prices have been a double hit for his company. Not only are shipping costs increasing but the nylon (derived from petrochemicals) that Kokatat uses for its dry suits has gone up in price by 5-6 percent. “You can’t pass 100 percent of that along [to the consumer] right now,” O’Meara said.
But the rising price of oil globally is not all bad news for Kokatat. It has contributed to the devaluation of the dollar, which means that the company’s European accounts are expanding, according to O’Meara. Still, he says Kokatat will definitely be raising its prices next year, which will put pressure on sales and means the company will “lose the [customers] on the cusp.”
Back at the Indianola Market, Shelly O’Brien is dealing with an unexpected consequence of the gas hike — her old-fashioned gas pump can’t be set higher than $3.99 per gallon. So she’s charging by the half gallon instead. There are three signs tacked to the pump that explain the situation. Nonetheless, it’s hard for some customers to wrap their head around the concept. “People just don’t get it,” she said last week over the phone, sounding extremely exasperated.
But even with fuel prices through the roof, O’Brien says she doesn’t have plans to get out of the gasoline business. “I’ve been through this several times before — not ever to this extreme,” she said. “At some point it has to give.”
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on the cover
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Today
44th Annual Kinetic Grand Championship Race
STAFF PICK / events, art, outdoors, sports, for kids, free / 9 a.m.-6 p.m. A 3-day, 42-mile kinetic sculpture race over land, sand, mud and water! LeMans start at the Noon Whistle on the Arcata Plaza. Follow the race through Manila, Eureka and into Ferndale on Memorial Day for the Glorious Finish. kineticgrandchampionship.com. 889-3024.
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Woodside Preschool's Rummage/Bake Sale
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Lanphere Dunes Restoration
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