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Fresno Uber Drivers Struggle as Gas Prices Surge
Rising fuel costs cut into profits for Fresno rideshare drivers and local farmers
Published on Feb. 24, 2026
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Gas prices in Fresno have risen 5.1 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $4.44 a gallon, due to tensions between the U.S. and Iran and the permanent closure of two major refineries. This is impacting both Uber drivers like Jeanette Scott, who says Uber is paying drivers less, as well as local farmers who rely on fuel for their operations.
Why it matters
The rise in gas prices is squeezing the profits of Fresno's Uber drivers, who are already dealing with lower pay from the rideshare company. It's also making it more difficult for local farmers to maintain their operations, as they rely heavily on diesel and gasoline to grow and transport their crops.
The details
Jeanette Scott, a 9-year Uber driver in Fresno, says she is feeling the pressure of rising gas prices, which are cutting into her profits. She uses cash to avoid credit card surcharges at the pump, but the higher fuel costs are still taking a toll. Meanwhile, West Hills Oil President Scott Cain says the closure of two major refineries has reduced California's fuel supply by 15%, contributing to the price hikes. Cain notes that the tensions between the U.S. and Iran have also driven up crude oil prices, further impacting fuel costs.
- Gas prices in Fresno have risen 5.1 cents per gallon in the last week.
- Prices are 48.6 cents per gallon higher than this time last month.
The players
Jeanette Scott
A 9-year Uber driver in Fresno who is feeling the pressure of rising gas prices cutting into her profits.
Scott Cain
The president of West Hills Oil, who says the closure of two major refineries has reduced California's fuel supply by 15%, contributing to the price hikes.
What they’re saying
“I go everywhere, wherever the ride goes. I deal with the fuel prices. Gotta do what I gotta do.”
— Jeanette Scott, Uber driver (yourcentralvalley.com)
“Uber's paying less to the drivers, so it's been rough.”
— Jeanette Scott, Uber driver (yourcentralvalley.com)
“We've had two major refineries shut their doors permanently and leaving us short about 15% of the state's normal supply.”
— Scott Cain, President, West Hills Oil (yourcentralvalley.com)
“Crude oil and fuel prices are intimately linked. And crude oil has risen because of what's going on in the Middle East. Barring, you know, us going to war there, that should settle out eventually.”
— Scott Cain, President, West Hills Oil (yourcentralvalley.com)
What’s next
Experts say the high fuel costs will likely continue to impact Fresno's Uber drivers and local farmers in the coming months, unless tensions between the U.S. and Iran ease or the closed refineries are able to reopen.
The takeaway
The surge in gas prices is squeezing the profits of Fresno's Uber drivers and making it more difficult for local farmers to maintain their operations, highlighting the ripple effects of rising fuel costs on the regional economy.
