(RALEIGH) -- The North Carolina director of The National Federation of Independent Business said small businesses want Congress to pass legislation that would restart and expand offshore oil and natural gas drilling. Gregg Thompson said small businesses see it as a way to help increase the nation’s fuel supply and lower gasoline prices.

According to AAA Carolina's Daily Fuel Gauge Report, the average price of regular gasoline in North Carolina has jumped 24 cents a gallon in the past month and $1.03 a gallon in the past year. "That’s taking a big toll on small businesses," said Thompson. Higher gasoline prices put upward pressure on the prices of nearly everything, including supplies and inventory.

Thompson added that small businesses operate on thin profit margins as it is.  “If you’re a small business owner, you have a choice: Jack up prices and risk driving your customers away, or absorb the increase and lose money."

Thompson said their members are asking North Carolina's Congressional delegation to support efforts to restart and expand offshore drilling. "A dependable source of affordable oil would help North Carolina's businesses grow and create jobs and finally put this recession in our rearview mirrors.”