AUSTIN, Texas — Diesel prices in Austin reached another record high this morning, with the average price rising to about $5.63 a gallon as higher fuel costs increase expenses for drivers and could affect consumer prices.
AAA data shows Austin’s average diesel price at about $5.63 a gallon, compared with $5.67 statewide. The national average has climbed above $6 a gallon.
Diesel prices in Austin averaged about $3.24 a gallon a year ago and $4.91 a month ago, according to AAA.
The higher prices have increased the cost of filling up diesel-powered vehicles. A short-bed Ford F-250 can hold about 34 gallons, making a full tank cost about $190 at the current Austin average. The same fill-up cost about $110 a year ago, a difference of roughly $80.
Truck drivers also report higher operating costs. Arizona truck driver Daniel Wood said one of his fill-ups cost more than $1,000, reducing the amount owner-operators can pay themselves.
“One fill up was over $1,000… If you’re an owner-operator, that’s affecting what you’re paying yourself. Like, that’s directly affecting your bottom dollar,” Wood said.
Higher diesel costs can also affect the prices consumers pay because trucks transport groceries, packages and other goods. The national average diesel price has increased more than $2 from the same period last year.
GasBuddy analyst Patrick De Haan said competition among fuel stations can influence prices at the pump, while global supply problems have increased wholesale fuel costs.
De Haan said stations sometimes lower prices by a few cents to compete with nearby retailers, but prices can rise again after stations reach their costs.
“Even if their cost doesn’t go down, they lower prices a couple of cents every day to have the lower price. When their competition matches that lower price, they go even lower. Unfortunately, at some point, stations start to sell at their cost. That’s when prices suddenly hike back up again,” De Haan said.
