Gas costs invading, inflating prices

Surcharges ‘a diplomatic way of raising prices.’

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) – Consumers aren’t just feeling high gas prices at the pump … increasingly, costs are inching higher on everything from the cost of delivering a package to the cost of delivering a pizza.

Michael Pazzaneze, owner of Marlborough, MA-based limousine service of CTG Worldwide, said his company is adding an 8 percent to 10 percent surcharge … that can mean extra eight bucks on a standard $80 fare.

Pazzaneze, who is also President Elect of the New England Livery Association, says many business owners get emotional about prices, worrying they’ll lose business. “But it’s a business decision,” he says, counseling members, “don’t be afraid to [add surcharges] because you have to do it.”

Pazzaneze lets his clients know it’s temporary. “If [gas prices] go below a certain level, we remove it.”

CNN/Money