This post is part of a series chronicling news coverage of rising gas prices in the United States. See more here.
California's ABC30 Action News speaks to a farmer and ag transporter paying $20k more a month on diesel: “I worry every day we're going to go broke”
Published
Video file
Citation
From the May 9, 2026, video uploaded to ABC30 Action News' YouTube channel
WARREN ARMSTRONG (ABC30 ACTION NEWS ANCHOR): We've focused on the rise in regular gas prices — but the pain at the pump is even greater if you use diesel. This is a look at averages soaring across central California. AAA reports Merced hit a new record price today with $7.67 a gallon, that's just under the state record reached in April. Here in the valley ag operations are feeling the major pinch.
VANESSA VASCONCELOS (ABC30 ACTION NEWS ANCHOR): Action News reporter Brisa Colón is live in Madera County off Highway 99 with more on how the rise in diesel is hurting the trucking industry and ag distributors across the valley. brisa?
BRISA COLÓN (ABC30 ACTION NEWS REPORTER): Warren and Vanessa, diesel is more than fuel for truck drivers; it's critical to their livelihoods. I spoke with an ag transporter who tells me he's spending thousands more a month and has had to add fees just to stay afloat.
PERSON 1: We're charging twice as much to make half as much.
COLÓN: Greg Markarian is a farmer in Fresno County. He grows citrus, almonds and cherries. He also operates an ag trucking business, transporting various commodities. With the rise in diesel, he, along with other valley farmers are feeling the pinch.
PERSON 1: For a month, it's probably about $50,000.
COLÓN: What would it be before the war?
PERSON 1: It would — probably would've been about 30, so $20,000 a month. You know, hard to recoup.
COLÓN: Diesel is vital to his business as it keeps his seven tractors and 12 trucks running. Markarian tells me since the start of the war with Iran, he's had to add extra fees.
PERSON 1: You know 10, 15% surcharge is not going to cut it. But, what are we gonna do?
COLÓN: According to Gas Buddy, the national average for a gallon of diesel is $5.62. But here in California, it's close to $7.50. That price is higher than states like Hawaii and Washington
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COLÓN: Anxiety mounts as the industry as a whole takes a hit — each additional penny noticeable for those reliant on the critical fuel.
PERSON 1: I worry every day that we're gonna go broke. That's why I wake up doing I try to go out there and work harder.
COLÓN: Now, a Gas Buddy expert tells ABC News that with these higher transportation costs, consumers can expect higher prices for everyday goods, things like food and household items.