UPenn Analysis Links High Diesel Costs to Supply Chain Inflation

The University of Pennsylvania released an economic analysis on September 28, 2026. According to sociologist Steve Viscelli, the cost of diesel is currently at an all-time high. Viscelli noted that since trucks transport over 70% of all freight in the United States, rising diesel prices are increasing transportation costs, tightening supply chains, and making everyday goods more expensive.

The high cost of diesel directly impacts the operational costs of the trucking industry, which moves the majority of freight in the U.S. This increase in transportation expenses is expected to ripple through the economy, resulting in higher prices for consumers across various sectors.