With the cost of gasoline increasing almost every week, local businesses have been concerned about the financial impact, especially on those who rely on delivery services.

"The rise in gas prices really has had an impact on our business," said Linda Johnson, manager of State College Floral Shoppe, 127 W. Beaver Ave.

The delivery fee had to be raised from $3.50 to $5.00, she said.

"There haven't been any problems like this since I have been here, but any types of problems like these are passed on to the consumer, even though we try not to," Johnson said.

Local pizza deliveries said gas prices could become an issue if the trend continues.

"I think it would become a bigger problem if prices of gas rise even more," said Brian Williams, assistant manager of Gumby's Pizza, 300 S. Pugh St.

Rick Shaffer, assistant manager of Pizza Hut, 760 S. Atherton St., said the increased prices will cause problems in the future.

"It hasn't been too much of an issue yet, but I think if you give it a little more time, and if prices continue to rise, it might turn into a bigger problem," Shaffer said.

Both businesses said their drivers receive 50 cents per delivery to help pay for gas. Williams said his drivers have been complaining about the rising gas costs and decreasing tips from customers -- another part of the problem.

"No one wants to pay more money than they have to right now," Shaffer said.

Both businesses also said their corporate offices would have to decide if more money will be issued to their drivers.

"Since the beginning of the year, gas prices have gone up about two to three cents almost every other week," said Mike Fitzgerald, an employee of College Heights Exxon, 803 N. Atherton St. "So far this week, prices haven't gone up since last Friday when the regular 87-octane gas rose from $1.66 to $1.69."

Jim Hartswick, who works in the service department at the Exxon station, said the prices at College Heights is not a reflection of all gas prices around State College. As a full service station, College Heights Exxon charges 10 cents more than most stations for additional services.

Prices are continuing to rise in every shipment of gas the station receives, and no one knows when it will stop, he said.