The average price of diesel reached about $6.77 a gallon Friday, adding another cost pressure for Salem businesses that depend on trucks, deliveries and equipment.
Diesel prices in Salem reached a record high Friday, with the average price climbing to about $6.77 a gallon.
Fuel-price data from AAA listed Salem diesel at $6.7693 per gallon on Sept. 18, the highest recorded average for the local market.
The increase has happened quickly.
A week ago, diesel averaged about $6.39 a gallon in Salem. One month ago, it was about $5.57. A year ago, the average was roughly $4.55.
That means the price has increased by about $1.20 per gallon in just one month and more than $2.20 per gallon compared with a year ago.
For Salem businesses that depend on diesel, the increase can quickly add to operating costs. Trucking and delivery companies, contractors, landscapers, agricultural operations and businesses using diesel-powered equipment are among those most directly exposed.
A company purchasing 500 gallons of diesel in a month, for example, would spend roughly $600 more at today’s average price than it would have at last month’s average.
The increase is part of a broader rise across Oregon. The statewide diesel average reached about $6.83 per gallon Friday, also a record.
Regular gasoline in Salem has risen as well, although it remains below its previous record. The local average reached about $4.93 per gallon Friday, compared with $4.63 a month ago and about $4.15 a year ago.
Higher crude oil prices and disruptions affecting global energy markets have contributed to the recent increase in fuel prices. Crude oil has been trading around $100 per barrel, adding pressure to gasoline and diesel markets.
For local companies, the effect can extend beyond what they pay at the pump. Higher fuel costs can increase the expense of transportation, construction, deliveries and operating heavy equipment, especially for businesses that cannot significantly reduce how much fuel they use.
How long prices remain near record levels will depend in part on crude oil prices and global supply conditions.
