Rising Fuel Prices Impact Small Business Owners in Raleigh, N.C.

Last updated Apr 30, 2026

How Rising Fuel Costs are Impacting Small Business Owners in Raleigh

Rising Overhead Costs for Small Business Owners

As fuel prices surge, small business owners in Raleigh, NC are grappling with soaring operational costs. For businesses that depend heavily on gas or diesel, such as food trucks or cleaning services, rising fuel prices are a major concern.

Food Truck Owner Struggles with Rising Fuel Prices

Crystal Gonzales, who runs a food truck business in Raleigh, uses several types of fuel just to serve her customers. A propane tank powers her grill and fryer, a gas-powered generator lights up the truck, and she uses a diesel pickup truck to transport her mobile kitchen. She expressed that her diesel truck alone guzzles more than $100 worth of fuel each week.

Increased Fuel and Food Prices Impacting Service Cost

Due to the increased fuel costs, Gonzales has had to raise her prices. She also noted that she’s not only dealing with escalating fuel costs but also spiking grocery prices. “We have a lot of spikes in groceries,” said Gonzales. “It is definitely something that we also have to incorporate.”

Other Small Businesses Feeling the Pinch

Other small business owners in Raleigh are also feeling the impact of rising fuel costs. Nick Cassinelli, owner of Oak City Exterior Cleaning, uses a generator for his work. He said, “Everything’s just getting crazy expensive,” indicating that he’s been trying to absorb the increased costs, but it’s difficult especially with rising chemical operating costs and equipment costs.

Continued Rise in Fuel Prices

According to AAA Carolinas, the average price for a gallon of regular fuel has gone up by 25 cents from the previous week. These rising costs are not only impacting small business owners but also nonprofits and volunteers who are also feeling the pinch.