Soaring diesel prices ‘tough to manage’ for truckers

Diesel prices have jumped by 34.6 cents since Tuesday, and the head of the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association says soaring prices will be passed on to consumers

CITYnews halifax \ Mark Hodgins

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The soaring cost of fuel is creating challenges for truckers, according to the head of the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association. 

“Any increase is impactful, and we’ve seen some significant increases which is 10 times the impact,” Jean-Marc Picard said. “Right now it’s really tough to manage and hopefully we’ll see a decline here but we’re not too optimistic.”

Those significant increases include diesel prices rising by 34.6 cents since Tuesday in Nova Scotia after the Utility and Review Board twice invoked its interrupter clause.

Wednesday night’s change alone saw diesel costs spike by nearly 20 cents.

Picard says the increased costs will have an impact on consumers.

“Prices will be passed on to customers and shippers, and then whether they increase to increase the cost of their goods is their decision,” he explained.

Picard adds there are other pressures on the trucking industry right now too — including what he calls a tight supply chain and a shortage of drivers.