Businesses, consumers feel extra pain at the pump as diesel prices hits record high

If you're filling your tank with diesel, you're probably feeling extra pain at the pump as the national average hit another record high Monday.

News 12 Staff

May 10, 2022, 12:39 AM

Updated 717 days ago

Share:

If you're filling your tank with diesel, you're probably feeling extra pain at the pump as the national average hit another record high Monday.
That pain is also being felt by consumers as they head out to shop for goods. It's a difficult conversation to have with local businesses owners like Luangisa African Art Gallery in Mount Vernon, a company that relies on travel to make a profit - and now they're contemplating pulling the plug after 26 years.
Rose Luangisa, owner of an African art shop, says she's on the helm of shutting her nearly 30-year business down. They sell artifacts, decor and everyday utensils that are handmade by village women across Africa. Travel to and from the different countries is essential to bring back pieces for the store.
A portion of profit goes back to artisans of the villages to support families and raise their children, but the astronomical rise of fuel prices is staggering.
Paying for truckers to bring the artifacts from the airport to her shop is running the business dry. Now they don't know how much longer they can last.
"With the truckers, the prices went up, I used to pay $800 to bring it up here, now it's $2,000," says Luangisa. "I really feel bad for the artisans back in Africa that I'm trying to support because they are the ones that are really going to be affected, because the depend on us."
So, they're literally dishing out far more than they can get in terms of profit when you look into what goes into a shop like this.
For now, this means customers will have to wait at least six months to get items they want or scale down on the size of artifacts they're looking for. 


More from News 12
1:23
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators rally in Irvington during President Biden's visits to Westchester

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators rally in Irvington during President Biden's visits to Westchester

2:29
Sunny and mild Friday for the Hudson Valley; tracking rain for Saturday

Sunny and mild Friday for the Hudson Valley; tracking rain for Saturday

0:48
President Biden announces future opening of upstate microchip factory

President Biden announces future opening of upstate microchip factory

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

0:17
Village of Walden police: Suspects found in connection to shots fired incident

Village of Walden police: Suspects found in connection to shots fired incident

0:21
Rockland County DA: Haverstraw man pleads guilty in sexual abuse of 2 children

Rockland County DA: Haverstraw man pleads guilty in sexual abuse of 2 children

0:51
Indian Point oversight board, Holtec discuss decommissioning options of former nuclear plant

Indian Point oversight board, Holtec discuss decommissioning options of former nuclear plant

0:47
State police: DNA sample from human remains found does not match profile of missing Putnam teen

State police: DNA sample from human remains found does not match profile of missing Putnam teen

0:31
New mural of Yonkers hip-hop legend Mary J. Blige unveiled at Palisade Towers

New mural of Yonkers hip-hop legend Mary J. Blige unveiled at Palisade Towers

0:35
Police find evidence in burglary while investigating a domestic dispute in Monroe

Police find evidence in burglary while investigating a domestic dispute in Monroe

0:30
Wake services held for the Westchester correction officer who died in Bronx River Parkway crash

Wake services held for the Westchester correction officer who died in Bronx River Parkway crash

Motorists encounter traffic delays, road closures in and around Irvington during President Joe Biden's visit

Motorists encounter traffic delays, road closures in and around Irvington during President Joe Biden's visit

1:42
Newburgh senior housing manager asks city for help protecting residents

Newburgh senior housing manager asks city for help protecting residents

0:25
Dramatic video captures car fire in Nanuet

Dramatic video captures car fire in Nanuet

Vote 2024: Ask your questions for Congressional District 16 Democratic candidates

Vote 2024: Ask your questions for Congressional District 16 Democratic candidates

0:24
New York appeals court overturns Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 rape conviction from landmark #MeToo trial

New York appeals court overturns Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 rape conviction from landmark #MeToo trial

0:24
Breeze Airways expands services from Westchester County Airport

Breeze Airways expands services from Westchester County Airport

1:47
Saddle up for a western-style riding adventure at Hollow Brook Riding Academy!

Saddle up for a western-style riding adventure at Hollow Brook Riding Academy!

0:26
Luxury VIP experience coming to Woodbury Common Premium Outlets

Luxury VIP experience coming to Woodbury Common Premium Outlets

2:27
How to protect spring plants from frost and freeze

How to protect spring plants from frost and freeze