With high diesel prices, local food trucks finding ways to adjust

Indexado: 2026-05-18

[00:00:00]Gas prices continue to climb amid the ongoing war with Iran, but those rising costs are starting to impact more than just filling up your tank. With the price of diesel fuel now approaching $8 a gallon in California, it's making a big dent in the cost of some businesses, including food trucks. Action News reporter Anna Torrea joins us live from Southeast Fresno tonight with what diesel prices are looking like at gas stations. Anna?

[00:00:29]Hey, good evening, Margo. Where we are is in Southeast Fresno, in the area of East and Jensen. So, this spot does have a lot of gas stations. Behind me here we have a Chevron, and if we zoom on in, we can see what diesel is looking like for this specific station. It's looking about $7.39.

[00:00:45]Now, for some food truck owners, diesel is not only something that gets them around town, but it's what helps them stay open for business.

[00:00:55]They say diesel is the the bloodline for the economy. It's really what keeps everything moving. That's exactly what diesel does for Jose Perez, the owner of Yo Habachi. It keeps his business up and running. My truck that I have that I used to pull the trailers 100% diesel.

[00:01:12]I use my truck also to go buy supplies and stuff for my business.

[00:01:16]>> Perez relies on diesel to fuel his truck, which helps him get around town and serve many customers. But lately, he's been feeling the pump pains. Just a couple months ago, I was spending about 150 to fill up, and now it has doubled to about 320 bucks to fill up.

[00:01:32]>> And it's been taking a toll. It cost us to go supply to get our supplies and stuff, so we've had to raise prices a little bit, but not enough to where it hurts the customer. AAA reports the current average for diesel in California is about $7.43.

[00:01:47]That's $2.36 more compared to a year ago, but prices in Fresno are a few cents higher than that. In Fresno, you're paying about $6.06 for a gallon of regular gasoline, but you're paying $7.48 for a gallon of diesel. Doug Johnson with AAA in Northern California explains why diesel prices are up compared to gas.

[00:02:08]>> Uh diesel usually relies more on crude oil, and obviously crude oil is more expensive right now, but uh even more so than regular gasoline, uh crude oil, there's more of it in diesel, so that's why diesel's taken a a significant hit.

[00:02:21]Johnson adds the ongoing conflict in Iran has also played a role in surging prices. Despite costs going up, Perez says they are finding smart ways to save. I usually do my shopping at Restaurant Depot, which is a restaurant warehouse, where we buy all our supplies, and when you buy in bulk, you kind of get a discount on on certain things.

[00:02:41]>> So that they can focus on the food and the people they feed.

[00:02:49]Now, there are ways to cut costs. AAA suggests by reducing your AC use inside your car. Also, not leaving your vehicle on idle, and even following the speed limit are ways to help yourself and prevent from eating up a lot of fuel.

[00:03:03]For now, reporting live in Southeast Fresno, Ana Torrea, ABC 30 Action News.