Abilene Diesel Hits Record High of $6.06 per Gallon
Diesel costs in Abilene reached a historical peak last week, forcing truck drivers to accept significantly lower margins per mile.
Key points
- Abilene diesel hit a record high of $6.06 per gallon last week.
- Driver earnings dropped from $1.50 to 75 cents per mile.
- Diesel prices rose 88% over the past year, far above gasoline.
The average diesel price in Abilene reached $6.06 last week. This marks the highest recorded average for the city in history.
Prices have surged from $3.19 a year ago. This sharp increase directly reduces the profit margin for local truck drivers.
Driver earnings drop by half
Rio Rodriguez said his earnings fell to 75 cents per mile. He previously earned $1.50 per mile before the recent price spike.
Refueling his truck now costs about $1,200. Last year, the same fill-up cost approximately $500.
Diesel inflation outpaces gasoline
Diesel prices rose 88 percent over the past year. Regular gasoline increased by only 47 percent during the same period.
Midgrade gasoline rose 43 percent while premium rose 39 percent. These figures come from data reported by ktxs.com.
Supply concerns drive global costs
Crude oil averages $100 per barrel due to Strait of Hormuz volatility. This instability contributes to the higher local diesel costs.
Texas remains the second-cheapest gasoline market in the country. However, the state is the largest crude oil producer.
