Truck drivers voice concerns as Arizona diesel prices reach record high
Record diesel prices hammer Arizona truck drivers
Diesel prices have reached an all-time high in Arizona, and that is creating financial strain for long-haul truck operators. FOX 10's Andrew Christiansen has more.
PHOENIX - Diesel prices in Arizona have reached an all-time high, leaving some truck drivers facing a staggering $2,000 price tag just to fill up a single rig.
Local perspective:
At the Flying J off 67th Avenue and Latham, the diesel price is $6.69 a gallon, well above Arizona’s record average of $6.44.
With diesel being nearly double what it was at the same time in 2025, local truck drivers report that it is wiping out their profits.
"I’m pushing about $1,500 a month," said Emilio Vasquez, who owns a truck-driving business.
"Close to $1,000," said truck driver Tray Mack.
"One was $1,000, and another one was $600, and it wasn’t even a full tank," said one truck driver, who only identified herself as Brittany.
Arizona diesel prices soar, leaving truckers struggling as EV drivers save
As Arizona diesel prices climb to historic highs, independent truck drivers face mounting costs while electric vehicle owners report massive monthly savings. FOX 10's Andrew Christiansen learns the impact on local truckers.
Last Year's Comparison:
Truck drivers say it’s a stark contrast to prices earlier this year.
"Two months ago, probably between, like, $400 and $500," Brittany added.
"Right about $900, if not a little less," Vasquez said.
Rising Prices:
According to AAA, Arizona's average diesel price is now $6.44 a gallon. One year ago, it was just $3.65. For independent operators, that price hike is devastating.
"My profit’s not there no more. I’m just breaking off even just about," Vasquez said.
By the numbers:
Most long-haul big rigs carry two fuel tanks which hold between 200 to 300 gallons. That means a single fill-up can cost anywhere from $1,200 to over $1,900. Out-of-state drivers are even filling extra tanks in Arizona to avoid higher prices down the road.
"Actually, I was supposed to bring some extra tanks with me to fill up here to take back," Vasquez said.
Why you should care:
Truck drivers say they fear diesel prices will keep climbing. Global conflict and supply chain disruptions are driving the surge, leaving long-haul drivers to absorb the blow.
"Gas prices on the regular cars been going up steadily for a while now, so I can only imagine what it’s going to do us that’s driving semi-trucks," Brittany said.
"It sucks but the only thing we can do is keep working and keep trying," truck driver Tray Mack said.
Electric Vehicles:
While commercial truckers fight to stay in the black, commuters who ditched gas and diesel for electric vehicles are reaping the benefits.
"Not having to go to the gas station is the number one benefit," Jonathan Batchelor, who drives an electric vehicle.
Batchelor said the savings are adding up fast.
"I pay $35 in power every month, and I was paying, in years past, about $250 a month in gas," he said.
From 2012 to 2023 the Bureau of Transportation Statistics says electric vehicle sales have gone up every year. But the past couple years they have leveled off with over 1.2 million sales.
"More people are going to switch anyway. Gas prices are just going to accelerate it, unquestionably," Batchelor said.
What's next:
There are rumors circulating online of a nationwide truck strike set for Oct. 1. However, a national organization that represents professional truck drivers reports that they are not participating.
The Source: Information in this report was gathered from Emilio Vasquez, owner of a truck-driving business; Tray Mack, a truck driver; Brittany, a truck driver; AAA; Flying J; Bureau of Transportation Statistics; Jonathan Batchelor, an electric vehicle driver; and an unnamed national organization representing professional truck drivers.