Diesel prices near record levels are increasing costs for U.S. farmers, schools and small businesses, with producers and operators reporting pressure on their budgets.
CBS News reported the national average was about $6.50 a gallon on Friday, compared with $3.69 a year earlier, citing AAA. The BBC put the average at $6.45 and said tight global supplies and the U.S.-Israel war with Iran were contributing factors. CBS said a Georgia food bank expects to spend an additional $100,000 on diesel this year, an amount it said could otherwise provide 122,000 meals. Illinois farmer John Yeley told CNN that farm economics were so difficult he would not want his children to take over the operation. President Donald Trump has said he would support restricting diesel exports, according to the BBC; experts told the outlet such a step could have broader economic effects.