Truck drivers struggle as diesel prices surge across Mississippi

MISSISSIPPI. (WLBT) – Diesel prices climbed this week across Mississippi and the nation, leaving truck drivers uncertain about their ability to continue hauling freight.

Lemone Guice said seeing diesel prices at the pumps was concerning.

“It’s rough right now with the economy. We don’t know how it’s going to be with it being up and down,” Guice said.

Guice and fellow truck driver Ronnie Tran said they don’t know how long their fuel will last.

“If it keeps going like this, I don’t think we can survive,” Tran said.

Tran said his fill-up costs have doubled.

“My normal fill-up: usually around $600 to $700. Now, you’re talking about a thousand to $1,200, so it’s, like, double,” Tran said.

King Gaulden said the situation has been difficult.

“Man, it’s been ridiculous. Ever since Trump said the gas prices would go down, they have been going up. We’re just trying to figure it out. It’s been hard out here, man,” Gaulden said.

According to AAA, the national average for a gallon of gas is $4.54. That’s the highest since the summer of 2022.

Guice said the spike is affecting decisions about whether to transport loads.

“For those of us that freight slows up, yes. You just don’t want to be just getting somewhere sitting and fuel you know… you don’t know whether you’re going to have a half of a tank or a quarter of tank. That isn’t good,” Guice said.

In Mississippi, the average price stands at $4.00, up more than 28 cents from last week.

Tran said his wish is simple.

“I wish the price would go back to $2 and something. Right now, it’s $4 and something. I wish it can go down to two or three something. That would be nice,” Tran said.

Mississippi still ranks among the states with the lowest gas prices.

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