Diesel Jump: No Quick Fix to Shield the Economy from Higher Freight Costs

Diesel prices in the U.S. have surged about 50% year over year to around $5.60 per gallon, with forecasts of $6 as global supply tightens. The Drive argues there’s no easy fix for diesel like there is for gasoline; disruptions from Russia/Ukraine, reduced Strait of Hormuz traffic, and refinery outages are constraining refined fuel and pushing up freight, farming, and public fleet costs. Those higher costs ripple through the economy, affecting school buses, retailers, and holiday shopping, with inflationary pressure likely to persist and limited near-term relief since heavy-duty transport has few viable substitutes.