Two truck drivers who fueled up in Lorain County this week described diesel prices that have upended their operating budgets, and one independent owner-operator said the cost ultimately reaches shoppers at the register.
Keith, who owns and drives his own semi, stopped at the Pilot Travel Center in Avon and told WOIO he is now paying more than $2,000 weekly for fuel. A single fill-up that once ran him roughly $400 now tops $700, he said. His reasoning: retailers who hire him have to cover the added fuel expense, and customers end up absorbing that difference.
Another driver, Andrew, said prices rose, dipped and are climbing once more. His most recent stop took 142 gallons and rang up at $804 after a discount, according to his account.
WOIO reported that the record prices reflect higher oil costs and supply constraints linked to wars in Ukraine and Iran. The station cited AAA figures putting the average at about $6.50 per gallon, compared with roughly $3.70 a year earlier.
Keith described the situation as ridiculous.