South Florida truck fleets get squeezed as diesel nears record, food bank's fuel bill hits $121,000

Rising diesel prices are putting pressure on South Florida's trucking networks — and the effects are extending far beyond freight companies.

For Feeding South Florida, the spike has turned a routine operating expense into a growing threat to food deliveries across the region.

Here's what to know

Feeding South Florida relies on more than 30 diesel-fueled tractor-trailers to serve food banks from Palm Beach County to the Florida Keys. At the same time, the nonprofit is trying to keep up with demand for food assistance as the cost of running that fleet rises.

WPTV reported that AAA listed average diesel prices at $5.88 per gallon in Palm Beach County and $5.83 in Port St. Lucie, while GasBuddy estimated the average diesel price at $5.80 per gallon.

Paco Velez, CEO of Feeding South Florida, said the nonprofit's fuel spending has climbed sharply. "The first two months of our fiscal year last year, which were July and August, we spent a combined amount of about $75,000 for fuel," Velez said. "And now these two months we're looking at a combined $121,000."

Russia's war with Ukraine is one reason global diesel costs are rising, according to GasBuddy petroleum analyst Patrick DeHaan, who said Russia plays a major role in refining diesel fuel. He also said, "Florida is only 2 cents away from setting the new all-time record."

More background

Diesel is a backbone fuel for the economy, powering long-haul trucks that move groceries, household goods, building materials, and emergency supplies. When diesel prices spike, those higher transportation costs can translate into higher prices for businesses, nonprofits, and families alike.

WPTV cited a GasBuddy estimate that businesses are spending an extra $284 million each day on diesel. DeHaan said, "Those refinery attacks have been extremely effective in knocking offline Russia's largest refineries."

To keep food moving and its trucks operating across the region, Feeding South Florida is asking supporters to help offset its fuel costs.

Where can I learn more?

Feeding South Florida's higher diesel bill is one example of a bigger problem tied to fossil fuel dependence, from strained transportation budgets to health concerns and climate risks. Communities and policymakers are dealing with the fallout as fuel-heavy systems grow more expensive.

• States are beginning to target high-mileage drivers as rising fuel costs expose transportation inequality.

• Communities living near oil and gas operations are also facing worsening asthma and premature deaths.

• New climate accounting shows liquefied natural gas can carry a carbon footprint worse than coal.

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