Gas Prices Rise, But Local Grocery Staples See Little Change

Milk, bread, and egg prices remain relatively stable despite conflict-driven fuel cost increases

Mar. 18, 2026 at 3:20am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

As gas prices continue to climb due to the ongoing conflict in Iran, many are left wondering if their grocery bills will feel the impact. News10NBC visited several local grocery stores in Rochester, New York and found that the average cost of a dozen eggs, a gallon of whole milk, and a loaf of white bread have seen mixed results, with some prices increasing slightly and others decreasing compared to last year.

Why it matters

While rising fuel costs can have a trickle-down effect on the prices of goods and services, this story suggests that some essential grocery items have been able to largely avoid significant price hikes so far. This is important news for consumers who are already feeling the pinch of inflation in other areas of their budgets.

The details

The report checked prices at major grocery chains like Wegmans, Tops, Aldi, Price Rite, and Walmart. Milk prices had a slight increase from an average of $3.02 per gallon in August 2025 to $3.10 currently, while bread costs decreased from $1.76 to $1.50. Egg prices saw a more dramatic drop, going from an average of $3.05 per dozen in August 2025 to $1.76 currently.

  • In January, March, and August 2025, News10NBC previously conducted similar grocery price check-ins in the Rochester area.
  • The current price checks were conducted in March 2026 amid the ongoing conflict in Iran.

The players

Patrick De Haan

Chief petroleum analyst for GasBuddy, who explained the broader economic impact of rising fuel costs on transportation, logistics, agriculture, and other industries.

Thomas Kowalski

The author of the original news report for WHEC.com.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Agriculture is more expensive now with rising diesel; and getting the goods to where they need to go is now more expensive because of the rise in diesel.”

— Patrick De Haan, Chief petroleum analyst

“Transportation, logistics, agriculture, airlines are all seeing a massive surge in jet fuel, diesel, and home heating. Oil prices are going up too. So, you know, there's a profound trickle down that Americans are about to see. Your deliveries are about to get more expensive, and you may have to pay the cost of that. You may have the cost of rising grocery prices.”

— Patrick De Haan, Chief petroleum analyst

What’s next

De Haan says it may still be too early in the war to see significant changes at the grocery store, and that elevated prices may soon trickle into supply chains.

The takeaway

While rising fuel costs can have a ripple effect on the prices of goods and services, this story suggests that some essential grocery items in the Rochester, New York area have been able to largely avoid significant price hikes so far, providing some relief for consumers already feeling the strain of inflation.