Local gas spike squeezes Inland Empire drivers
Rapidly rising pump prices are hitting Inland Empire drivers and nonprofit delivery operations, with local groups warning rising fuel bills are eating tight operating budgets reported. For 3PLs and regional distributors that means greater cost sensitivity in lease negotiations and more scrutiny of location-based operating savings.
Riverside County gasoline averaged about $5.27 per gallon this week foxla.com, with San Bernardino County at roughly $5.29 and the California statewide average reported at $5.416 on March 13, 2026. gasprices.aaa.com California diesel jumped sharply, rising about 70 cents in a single week to $5.808 per gallon as of March 7, 2026, a move that freight operators told reporters was the largest short-term diesel spike in months. cbsnews.com Several carriers and niche shippers have already tightened pricing: TGAL boosted its fuel surcharge from 8% to 12% effective March 16, 2026 tgal.us, while Transcar implemented an 8% temporary fuel surcharge starting March 10, 2026. transcar.com Prologis research finds energy disruptions are now a top executive concern—89% of supply‑chain leaders reported energy-related disruptions—and the firm says cost-sensitivity is reshaping location choices and expansion timing for logistics users. prologis.getbynder.com Industry analysts point to recent Middle East tensions and localized refinery outages as proximate causes of the pump‑price surge, with state watchers highlighting refinery closures and profit-cap debates that limit California’s supply flexibility. foxla.com Local reporting notes nonprofits and some transit agencies are diverging in exposure: the Daily Bulletin highlighted Omnitrans’ use of compressed natural gas and electric vehicles as reasons it has avoided the worst impacts on operating budgets. dailybulletin.com
