Record setting diesel prices slam truck drivers, soon to affect general population

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- According to the U.S. Energy Administration, diesel fuel prices across the nation have seen an increase of $2.54 since 2025 and it’s safe to say truck drivers are especially feeling pain.  

In both Indiana and Michigan, truck drivers are seeing diesel prices range anywhere from as low as $6.47 to as high as $6.97 per gallon.  

The upward trend has truck drivers like Sunny Kishore having to find other jobs to support his family.   

“It affects me a lot,” Kishore said. “I had to find a job and do this because this is my passion driving but I also have to get paid and matching up with the cost of living nowadays is difficult.”  

For truck driver, John Quesenberry, the record high diesel prices have squeezed his margins, forcing his company to consider load management for better fuel efficiency.   

“Everybody’s worried that we may or may not get loads to go out next week, so, we’re on a week-to-week basis,” Quesenberry said. We never know if we’re going to work or staying at home. I’ve been looking for other jobs as well and there’s not a lot available right now.”  

With the prices only set to keep rising, it's going to be more than just truck drivers feeling the pain. 

The increased costs truck drivers are facing will soon be passed down to the consumer, whether it's at the grocery store or online ecommerce.  

In an effort to help some truck drivers, the department of transportation changed the rules for those hauling gasoline and diesel. 

For the next 90 days they can now drive 16 hours a day up from the typical 14 hours. 

The D.O.T. says the change is meant to help prevent shortages and hopefully lower costs.