Record Diesel Prices Squeeze California Farms and Trucking

Farmers and truckers face soaring fuel costs as diesel prices hit new highs in the state.

Mar. 26, 2026 at 11:06pm

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According to AAA, the average price for a gallon of diesel in California reached a record high on Thursday, putting significant pressure on the state's agricultural industry. Farmers like Brandon Sywassink are seeing their diesel consumption of nearly 1,000 gallons per day drive up costs, while truckers like Aaron Davis are paying over $1,000 to fill up their vehicles. Industry leaders warn that rising fuel prices are also increasing the costs of equipment and goods like fertilizers, and potential rain could further add to fuel expenses as farms require more tractor use.

Why it matters

California's agricultural sector is a major economic driver, and the record-high diesel prices are squeezing farmers and truckers who rely heavily on diesel fuel to power their equipment and vehicles. This could lead to higher food prices for consumers and potentially impact the viability of some farming operations if the trend continues.

The details

According to AAA, the average price for a gallon of diesel in California has surged by more than $2 in just one month, reaching a new record high on Thursday. Farmers like Brandon Sywassink, who operates in Acampo, say their operations depend heavily on diesel, consuming nearly 1,000 gallons per day to power tractors, trucks, and other equipment. The rising costs are also being felt by agricultural workers on the road, with truckers like Aaron Davis reporting that it now costs close to $1,000 to fill up their vehicles. Industry leaders warn that the high fuel prices are driving up the costs of equipment and goods such as fertilizers, and potential rain in the forecast could increase workloads on farms, requiring more tractor use and adding to already high fuel expenses.

  • On Thursday, the average price for a gallon of diesel in California reached a new record high.
  • Over the past month, diesel prices in California have surged by more than $2 per gallon.

The players

Brandon Sywassink

A farmer in Acampo, California who says his operation consumes nearly 1,000 gallons of diesel per day.

Aaron Davis

An agricultural worker who says the high diesel prices are having a "ridiculous impact" on his day-to-day use, with it costing close to $1,000 to fill up his truck.

AAA

The automobile association that reported the record-high diesel prices in California.

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What they’re saying

“Every time that it goes up, there is definitely a major trickle-down effect for us.”

— Brandon Sywassink, Farmer

“It makes a ridiculous impact on day-to-day use because the price is so high. I mean, it costs close to over a thousand bucks to fill up that truck.”

— Aaron Davis, Agricultural Worker

What’s next

Farmers and industry leaders are closely monitoring the diesel price situation and bracing for potential further increases, which could force them to make adjustments to their operations if the trend continues.

The takeaway

The record-high diesel prices in California are putting significant financial strain on the state's agricultural sector, with farmers and truckers facing soaring fuel costs that could lead to higher food prices for consumers and potentially threaten the viability of some farming operations if the situation does not improve.