Diesel Prices Surge in Nebraska
OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – Diesel prices are climbing rapidly in Nebraska, with one business reporting an 82% increase in fuel costs.
Fuel Costs Climbing Fast
Ken Walker, a truck driver trainer, highlighted the widespread impact of this price jump. “Diesel prices here in Nebraska have reflected an 82% increase,” he stated, noting that his weekly fuel bill has escalated from about $2,000-$2,500 to roughly $6,800-$7,200, despite maintaining the same fleet size. Walker emphasized that the effects extend beyond drivers, affecting the entire supply chain: “It’s a trickle effect… from the farm to the store shelves.”
Farmers Locking in Fuel Prices
Quentin Connealy, a farmer in Tekamah, is in the midst of harvest and expressed concerns about rising costs. He managed to lock in off-road diesel prices at just over $5 last week, as prices were expected to rise further. Diesel, which cost him $2 to $3 per gallon last winter, now exceeds $5. Connealy uses about 10,000 gallons for the harvest, which has caused him considerable anxiety: “It just makes for a lot of uncertainty out here on the farm.”
Walker echoed the sentiment that consumers ultimately bear the brunt of these increases, stating, “No matter what, everybody loses. The consumer’s the number one person that loses.”
Push for Homegrown Fuel Options
Mark McHarg, President of the Nebraska Farm Bureau, is advocating for increased investments in homegrown fuel options—such as ethanol and biodiesel—while in Washington. He aims to mitigate future price spikes before they occur.
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