It seems like gas prices are affecting everything, but for a business that literally runs on fuel, times are tough.

Just like everyone else, the taxi industry is paying more for gas, and that's eating into the bottom line.

So, they're asking Panama City commissioners for a fare increase to offset the higher fuel costs.

The Panama City Commission is trying to help out the taxi drivers without hurting you, the customer.

Although the surcharge could mean a little more money on the meter, it should keep the taxis in service.

The Board of Commissioners discussed adding the gas surcharge to the charge for taking a cab.

The price for taxi rides are $2 dollars per mile at the current rate, which would increase to $2.50 with a fuel surcharge.

The board decided 5 to 0 to pass the surcharge.

It will run from July 1st to January 1st of 2009.

They will then decide if the rate increase will stay in place permanently.

Also on the agenda was a contract for land between Teco Gas and the city of Panama City.

The city wants to purchase about four acres of land in Millville near Watson Bayou from Teco, but some high levels of metals found there have postponed the deal.

Teco wants to send in their experts to test and bring back results to the board in 60 days.

The board agreed to let them do that.

If purchased, the land would be turned into a walking park.

The commission gave taxi owners a little over a week to let their customers know about the surcharge.