Gasoline and diesel prices are soaring due to the ongoing conflict with Iran, impacting businesses and consumers across the U.S. Local experts say that since diesel is used to move goods, it could mean paying more for what you buy on shelves and online.”Last year that would be $10 a day, now looking at $25 easily, maybe more,” Brian Grinsted, owner of Grinsted Landscaping, said.Debashis Pal, a UC economics professor, highlighted the broader implications, saying, “The price families pay for fresh produce will go up by 10-15%.” Pal noted that families might cut back on eating out and purchasing non-essential items due to the indirect effects of rising fuel costs.According to AAA, the national average for diesel has reached $5.06, up from $3.67 a month ago. Diesel is crucial for hauling food, packages, and other goods, making its price increase particularly impactful.”They might cut back on eating out. They might cut back on buying stuff. So the indirect effect will settle in, if it continues,” Pal said.Grinsted expressed concern about the future.”We’re okay now but if it lasts the whole summer then certainly there are conversations that have to be made,” Grinsted said.Experts add that diesel prices spike faster because it is in lower supply than regular gasoline. Small surcharges for shipping costs add up, and the best bet is to save money.
Gasoline and diesel prices are soaring due to the ongoing conflict with Iran, impacting businesses and consumers across the U.S.
Local experts say that since diesel is used to move goods, it could mean paying more for what you buy on shelves and online.
“Last year that would be $10 a day, now looking at $25 easily, maybe more,” Brian Grinsted, owner of Grinsted Landscaping, said.
Debashis Pal, a UC economics professor, highlighted the broader implications, saying, “The price families pay for fresh produce will go up by 10-15%.”
Pal noted that families might cut back on eating out and purchasing non-essential items due to the indirect effects of rising fuel costs.
According to AAA, the national average for diesel has reached $5.06, up from $3.67 a month ago. Diesel is crucial for hauling food, packages, and other goods, making its price increase particularly impactful.
“They might cut back on eating out. They might cut back on buying stuff. So the indirect effect will settle in, if it continues,” Pal said.
Grinsted expressed concern about the future.
“We’re okay now but if it lasts the whole summer then certainly there are conversations that have to be made,” Grinsted said.
Experts add that diesel prices spike faster because it is in lower supply than regular gasoline. Small surcharges for shipping costs add up, and the best bet is to save money.
