Diesel price surge strains D.C.-area trucking firm's long-term contracts

Diesel prices have risen nearly 60% since the war with Iran began, forcing a Washington, D.C.-area waste collection company to absorb over $100,000 in extra monthly fuel costs due to long-term contracts that prevent rapid rate increases. JLT Trucking Inc. burns about 2,000 gallons of diesel daily, spending an extra $1.2 million annually. The average diesel price hit a record $6.49 per gallon Monday, up from $3.70 a year ago, with prices rising 30.7 cents last week amid Houthi-Saudi fighting. Vice President JD Vance said the Navy is countering Iranian threats to shipping, while President Trump blamed Ukraine's attacks on Russian refineries. JLT's director says the business is an economic indicator, with customers cutting trash services first.