Rising diesel fuel prices impacting truck drivers, companies

Diesel gas prices have hit an all-time high in Ohio, according to new data from AAA.

On Tuesday, the average price for a gallon of diesel fuel in Ohio was $5.24. AAA said that price set a new record high for the cost of diesel fuel in the state.

A new record high was also set for the national diesel fuel price on Tuesday. AAA reported that the national average today was $5.50 per gallon.

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The high diesel prices have has their impact on many people, but they have made it especially hard for truckers.

“It’s killing [them], our fuel prices” Michael Sidenstick, truck driver and D&D Driving School instructor, said.

News Center 7 spoke with Sidenstick in December about what he faced as a trucker during a national supply shortage. On Tuesday, he said the industry has taken a “big hit” since then.

“We’re short everywhere, but the truck drivers, you really notice it because they’re the ones that put the food in the stores,” he said.

Sidenstick told News Center 7′s Candace Price that the rising gas prices have made things worse.

“It takes a lot of diesel to run these trucks; new or old ones, it doesn’t matter,” he said.

Semi trucks can carry between 120 and 150 gallons of diesel fuel. Sidenstick said to fill a quarter of his tank, he currently spends anywhere from $900-$1,100.

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“That increase is really hurting companies, but the companies also have to charge the customers,” he said. “They have to pay more prices, as you know, at the grocery store.”

Sidenstick said the high gas prices are causing truck drivers to reroute in order to chase fuel, which can be difficult on the time crunch drivers find themselves on.

“You’re going across the country trying to do your job, now you’re chasing fuel prices. It can be tough when you’re on a time schedule with e-log,” he said.

If things get any worse, Sidenstick said he may be forced to leave the industry.

“I think if it continues to spiral down, I think that road is coming to an end,” he said.

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