Riverside County gas prices hit highest level since 2023
THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ)- Fuel prices are climbing across Riverside County, with diesel reaching a new record and regular gas hitting its highest level since 2023.
According to AAA, diesel is now averaging more than $8.32 a gallon in Riverside County. Regular gas is averaging about $6.15 a gallon.
For local businesses that spend much of the workday on the road, those higher prices can add up quickly.
Bill Heitzenrater, owner of Renegade Pest Control, says he drives about 20 to 25 miles and can make 20 to 25 service stops in a normal workday.
“We try and route everything where you’re close together,” Heitzenrater said.
But emergency calls can still send workers across the Coachella Valley. Heitzenrater says his last fill-up cost about $115.
AAA says gas prices would typically be falling this time of year, but prices remain elevated.
According to the California Energy Commission, global crude oil is typically the leading driver of fuel prices. The agency says every $10 increase in crude oil can add about 24 cents per gallon at the pump.
Kandace Redd with the Auto Club of Southern California says higher crude oil prices are continuing to put pressure on drivers.
“Gas tends to follow crude oil prices. And since crude oil is up, then yes, drivers can expect to pay more at the pump,” Redd said.
For businesses like Renegade Pest Control, higher fuel prices can also create a bigger concern: how long companies can absorb the additional costs before customers feel the impact.
Heitzenrater says rising gas, insurance and chemical costs could eventually force the business to pass some of those expenses along to customers.
“We may have to start passing those costs along to our customers, which we don’t want to do,” Heitzenrater said.
AAA says it remains difficult to know when drivers could start seeing relief at the pump.
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