Soaring Gas Prices Impact GA, US Amid Record Diesel Costs

Experts on Tuesday said the cost of diesel fuel has hit a record high amid rising gas prices in Georgia and the U.S.

Fuel-tracker AAA recorded a price tag of $6.53 for diesel in the country - the highest-recorded average price.

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In Georgia, the record-breaking cost of diesel was $6.35 as of Sept. 19. The average for regular gas in the Peach State was $4.10 on Tuesday.

A year ago, diesel cost drivers $3.54, and customers were paying $2.90 for regular.

"Georgia drivers are facing continued pain at the pump as rising crude oil prices drive fuel costs higher," said Montrae Waiters, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group, in a Sept. 14 news release.

"With oil above $100 per barrel, there's no clear indication of when gas prices may decline or how high they could go. We know these higher costs are challenging for many households, which is why drivers should look for opportunities to save whenever possible, from comparing prices to improving fuel efficiency."

Savannah, Macon and Atlanta were the most expensive metro markets for gas as of Sept. 14, according to AAA. Augusta-Aiken and Catoosa-Dade-Walker were the least expensive.

The soaring gas prices are reportedly leading to difficult decisions for Georgians. Resident Joaquinna McMichael told WSB-TV the price of gas is "taking away from other things in the house."

The fuel hike has had an impact on food supply, farmers, transportation and retailers, according to a WABE report published Monday.

Diesel is reportedly essential for energizing the machines used for harvesting crops, as well as the trucks utilized to transport goods to stores.

"Every bit of it is costing more and more," said Chris Butts, the executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association to WABE. "Record amounts for the grower to get that produce to market."

Butts later added: "The grower is expected to absorb any cost that comes along. And again, those aren't passed on to their customers. So, it just continues to eat away at the profitability of farming."

The Associated Press' interviews with voters in several states, along with a fresh round of national polling, reveal an overwhelming sense of frustration that skyrocketing gas prices — a direct result of President Donald Trump's war — are creating serious and sustained financial hardships for America's working class.

The acute concerns are adding to a bad political environment that may be worsening for Trump and his Republican Party as early voting gets underway in the November midterm elections, the Associated Press reported Sunday.

Despite what Trump says, there are few things that may matter more this election year than the price of a gallon of gasoline, according to political operatives in both parties.

Gas prices are moving sharply in the wrong direction at a time of year when drivers typically get some relief.

"Gas prices matter because they're one of the few economic indicators voters experience and see in real time," veteran Republican strategist Chris Wilson told The Associated Press. "The price is literally staring them in the face several times a week. So I wouldn't minimize the frustration we're seeing, particularly among working- and middle-class voters."

Democrats and independents were especially motivated to punish Republicans at the ballot box for their economic hardship, while some of Trump's working-class supporters pledged to support Republicans this fall, even if they weren't happy with the president's leadership on the economy.

The Associated Press contributed reporting and writing.