New Jersey Businesses Added Surcharges Amid Fuel Hikes
Rising diesel and gasoline costs have forced local firms to pass expenses onto consumers through new service fees.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Inflation
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New Jersey businesses have begun implementing fuel surcharges of 5% to 12% as diesel prices climbed to record highs of $6.46 a gallon. The price spikes follow global supply chain disruptions and oil infrastructure attacks.
Why it matters
Geopolitical conflict has severely constrained global oil supplies, forcing local companies to choose between absorbing unsustainable costs or charging customers more. This creates a direct inflationary pressure on essential services ranging from landscaping to trash collection.
New Jersey gasoline prices averaged $4.42 per gallon on Sept. 21, compared to $3.12 one year ago. Meanwhile, landscaping firms are now applying surcharges between 5% and 12% to monthly invoices to offset rising costs.
The players
Chris James Landscaping
This local service provider is managing significant increases in operational expenses due to record fuel prices.
Waste Management
This major waste collection firm utilizes fuel surcharges to mitigate the impact of fluctuating diesel prices on its operations.
The details
Companies like Chris James Landscaping are passing fuel expenses to clients as diesel costs hit $6.46 per gallon and West Texas Intermediate oil traded above $97 per barrel. Freight haulers are similarly passing higher transport costs to shippers, which ultimately increases the retail price of groceries and other goods.
Timeline
Diesel prices reached a record high of $6.46 per gallon on Sept. 11, 2026.
The average gas price in New Jersey was $4.42 on Sept. 21, 2026.
Waste Management discussed fuel surcharges during an April 2026 earnings call.
Businesses expect to pass further costs to customers throughout 2027.
Macro View
The current economic strain on New Jersey businesses is a direct local consequence of the global oil supply disruption caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. This inflationary environment mirrors historical energy shocks where supply chain bottlenecks rapidly forced costs onto the consumer.
Residents should anticipate higher monthly bills for recurring services like landscaping and waste collection due to these fuel-based surcharges. As freight costs remain elevated, consumers will also likely see sustained price increases for essential goods at local grocery stores.
The takeaway
Businesses are attempting to stabilize their margins by shifting the volatility of global oil markets directly onto the end user. To mitigate personal financial impact, homeowners may consider reviewing service contracts to understand how and when fuel surcharges are applied.
Further reading
For more information on how current economic conditions are affecting costs, visit our Inflation section.
Live Poll
Do you believe businesses should pass rising fuel costs directly to their customers?
