Consumers paying for high diesel prices

by Dustin Grove (grove@wsbt.com)

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High diesel fuel prices are being passed on to the consumer at the checkout line. (WSBT photo)

By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Mar 21, 2008 at 4:33 PM EST

Story Updated: Mar 21, 2008 at 8:09 PM EST

Drivers who use diesel fuel are paying an average of more than $4 a gallon across our area. The high prices aren't just a problem for truck drivers — we're all paying the price.

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If you think filling up your tank is bad, try driving a semi-truck.

“Just to fill up the tank: $814.96,” said Hovie Campbell of CW Leasing and Transport.

In 34 years in the trucking business, Campbell says it's never been this expensive. His fuel bill now averages $18,000 a week.

"It’s been a huge impact,” he said. “I mean there are a lot of guys that are just throwing their hands up and quitting."

But you don't have to drive a big rig to feel the pain at the diesel pump. In fact, we're all feeling it at the checkout counter.

To stay afloat, or in this case, on the road, trucking companies are passing the cost onto the consumer.

"Unfortunately we're all going to pay, I mean I have to pay the same price for a gallon of milk that you do,” Campbell said.

And we're seeing it already. Milk prices are 18 percent higher than last year.

"$2-something a gallon it's gone up,” one shopper told WSBT News. “Crazy!”

Egg prices are up nearly 35 percent.

Campbell says he's waiting for relief, but he's not holding his breath.

"People are not necessarily going to drive their car with $3 and $4 a gallon gasoline, but they know the transportation can't stop and that's where they have everybody ... that's where you’re hooked,” Campbell said.

Frustrated, but still shopping … and paying higher prices at the gas pump, the diesel pump, and as a result, everywhere in between.

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