INDIANAPOLIS – Filling up at the pump is more expensive than ever, and it’s not just consumers reeling from the sudden rise. The City of Indianapolis has also been hit hard by mounting fuel costs, according to www.wthr.com.

Kit Werbe, a spokesperson for the Department of Public Works, said gas prices are “high and at record levels, and we’re feeling the same pinch as everyone else, so to say it’s a challenge is an understatement.”

Werbe said the city’s fleet numbers 3,800 vehicles. The includes everything from police cars to garbage trucks and fire engines. The city does get a break on fuel costs for buying in bulk at about 20 to 25 cents a gallon, but Werbe said they’re still paying way more than anyone anticipated and it’s putting the city in a bind. She projected the budget shortfall due to rising gas prices at $3 million and climbing. Werbe said the city’s encouraging employees who drive city vehicles to carpool when possible and to avoid idling. They’re also trying to stay on top of vehicle maintenance.