Hispanic Truck Drivers Pay Up to $300 More for a Tank of Diesel

Latino truck drivers are facing a sharp increase in fuel prices, with filling up a tank now costing as much as $300 more per load.

Hispanic truck drivers are once again facing a major hit to their wallets in the United States as diesel prices continue to climb.

In North Carolina, filling up with 150 gallons can cost about $306 more than a year ago, an increase that is especially significant for owner-operators and small trucking companies that pay for fuel directly.

• Why it matters: Hispanic truck drivers have a significant presence in the trucking industry.

When diesel prices rise, those who operate their own trucks can end up spending hundreds of additional dollars just to keep them on the road.

Diesel Prices Are Once Again Approaching Record Highs in the U.S.

The average price of diesel in North Carolina reached $5.50 per gallon, according to AAA data cited by The Center Square.

That represents an increase of 18 cents in just one week, up from the previously recorded $5.32. A month ago, the price stood at $5.19.

• The year-over-year comparison is even more striking: at this same time last year, diesel cost $3.46 per gallon.
• That means fuel has become $2.04 more expensive per gallon, an increase of nearly 59%.

To illustrate the impact on Hispanic truck drivers diesel costs, a hypothetical purchase of 150 gallons has risen from about $519 to $825, a difference of approximately $306.

The actual cost for each truck driver depends on tank size, fuel consumption, routes and working conditions. In addition, some carriers may be able to recover part of the increase through fuel surcharges.

Hispanic Truck Drivers Diesel Costs Rise Across the Country

The problem is not limited to North Carolina.

According to AAA, the national average price of diesel reached $5.61 per gallon, 17 cents more than a week earlier.

The situation is even more expensive in some states: California recorded $7.15 per gallon, while Hawaii and Washington were also above $6.

The increase also comes at a time when hauling freight is already expensive. The American Transportation Research Institute reported that operating a truck cost an average of $2.336 per mile in 2025, the highest level recorded in its analysis.

For owner-operators, every new fuel increase can further narrow the gap between what they are paid to haul a load and what they spend to operate their trucks.

Tensions With Iran Put Pressure on Diesel Prices

The Center Square reports that prices have shown significant volatility since the U.S. and Israeli attacks against Iran on February 28.

One key factor is the Strait of Hormuz, off the coast of Iran, through which approximately 20% of the world’s oil passed before the conflict.

In North Carolina, diesel started 2026 at $3.39 per gallon and reached a state record of $5.81 on April 7. The current price is only 31 cents below that peak.

The impact could eventually extend beyond the highways.

If transporting food and other goods remains expensive for an extended period, companies may face greater pressure to pass some of those costs on to consumers.

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