Rising gas prices amid the ongoing war with Iran are driving up costs beyond the gas pump. Diesel prices in California are approaching $8 per gallon in the state.
“They say diesel is the bloodline for the economy. It’s really what keeps everything moving,” said Doug Johnson with AAA Northern California.
For Jose Perez, the owner of Yohabachi, diesel fuel is essential to keeping his business running. Perez relies on a diesel truck to tow his food trailer and transport supplies.
“My truck that I have, t I use to pull the trailer is 100% diesel,” Perez said. “I use my truck to also go and buy supplies and stuff for my business.”
Recently, fuel costs have surged.
“Just a couple months ago, I was spending about $150 to fill up. Now it has doubled to about $320 to fill up,” Perez said.
The increased expenses have taken a toll.
“It costs us to go and get supplies and stuff. So we’ve had to raise prices a little bit but not enough where it hurts the customer,” he said.
According to AAA, the average price for diesel fuel in California is about $7.43 per gallon, which is $2.36 higher compared to last year. In Fresno, prices are slightly higher.
“In Fresno, you’re paying about $6.06 for a gallon of regular gasoline, but you’re paying $7.48 for a gallon of diesel,” Johnson said.
Johnson said diesel prices tend to be more closely tied to crude oil costs.
“Diesel usually relies more on crude oil, and obviously crude oil is more expensive right now, but even more so than regular gasoline, crude oil, there’s more of it in diesel, so that’s why diesel is taking a significant hit,” Johnson said.
He added that the ongoing conflict in Iran has also contributed to the increase in fuel prices.
Despite the rising costs, Perez said they are finding smart ways to save.
“I usually do my shopping at restaurant depot, which is a restaurant warehouse, where we buy all our supplies. When you buy in bulk you get a discount on certain things,” Perez said.
AAA also recommends reducing air conditioning use, avoiding idling, and driving at the speed limit as ways to help conserve fuel and lower costs.
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