Diesel Prices Soar Past $5 in Florida, Squeezing Truckers

Truckers say the surge in fuel costs is taking a major toll on their bottom line.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 10:03pm

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The national average for gas has climbed past $4 a gallon for the first time since 2022, and truck drivers in Florida say they are feeling the pain at the pump. In the Sunshine State, diesel prices have spiked to $5.73 a gallon, more than $2 higher than the state's average just a month earlier. Truckers report the surge is costing them hundreds of dollars more per fill-up, with one driver estimating an additional $200 for 100 gallons.

Why it matters

The sharp rise in diesel prices is a major challenge for the trucking industry, which relies on fuel to transport goods across the country. The increased costs are likely to be passed on to consumers, potentially driving up the prices of everyday items. The situation highlights the vulnerability of the supply chain to global events and the need for solutions to mitigate the impact of volatile fuel prices.

The details

AAA data shows the national average for regular gas has climbed past $4 a gallon, with analysts tying the spike to rising global oil prices connected to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. In Florida, the pain is even sharper for diesel drivers, with prices sitting at $5.73 a gallon - more than $2 higher than the state's average of $3.69 just one month earlier. Truckers report the surge is costing them hundreds of dollars more per fill-up, with one driver estimating an additional $200 for 100 gallons, which gets him roughly 1,000 miles or a day and a half of driving.

  • The last time drivers paid that much at the pump was during Russia's invasion of Ukraine, nearly four years earlier, according to AAA.
  • One month ago, the average diesel price in Florida was $3.69 per gallon.

The players

Scott

A truck driver who broke down the increased cost per fill-up.

Dennis

A fellow trucker who simply stated the fuel spending is "way too much".

AAA

The automobile association that provided the data on gas and diesel prices.

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What they’re saying

“It was about two bucks less a gallon. So about $200 more on 100 gallons.”

— Scott, Truck driver

“Way too much. Something has to be done, but I don't know what they're gonna do.”

— Dennis, Truck driver

What’s next

Analysts and industry experts will likely continue to monitor the situation and explore potential solutions to mitigate the impact of high diesel prices on the trucking industry and the broader supply chain.

The takeaway

The surge in diesel prices is putting significant financial strain on truck drivers, who are a critical part of the supply chain. This highlights the vulnerability of the transportation sector to global events and the need for more resilient and sustainable solutions to manage fuel costs and ensure the reliable movement of goods.