CBS 58 MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) - Gas prices are on the rise again, topping $4 a gallon for the first time since 2022. As spring gets underway, landscapers say those higher fuel costs are making it more expensive to do their jobs.
The war in the Middle East has disrupted oil markets, sending prices climbing nationwide. In Milwaukee, the increase has been sharp.
GasBuddy petroleum analyst Matt McClain said, “Prices across Milwaukee are looking at $3.70 a gallon. That’s up about a nickel over the past 24 hours and 98 cents a gallon just over the last month. That is extraordinary.”
He added, “We don't normally see such a price jolt in such a way, but it is a situation we are unfortunately going to continue climbing from here.”
That price jump is hitting businesses that rely heavily on fuel, including Janice’s Maintenance Care Landscaping as it gears up for the busy spring season.
It’s not just the cost of driving between jobs - fuel is also needed to power equipment.
Owner Janice Bohn said, “Right now, we’re using some blowers to blow out the leaves, and we use premium gas on those blowers which is a little bit more expensive.”
She said the business uses a significant amount of fuel each day.
“We use a lot of gas here, we have a lot of tanks that we take with us to fuel them up,” Bohn said.
As costs continue to rise, Bohn said staying profitable is becoming more difficult and customers will likely feel the impact.
“I think it’s going to affect our customers. They’re not going to be happy with the fuel costs,” she said. “I haven’t raised their prices in a couple years, and this year, I'm going to have to raise some of their prices.”
McClain said there may not be relief anytime soon.
“We’ve got a ways to go, really until the Strait of Hormuz is reopened. No end in sight on these prices remaining where they are and climbing even higher,” he said.
