California food truck owners struggle with rising gas prices

California food truck owners struggle with rising gas prices

Food truck owners in California are facing higher operating costs as gas prices rise, forcing them to increase menu prices to stay afloat.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. —

Food truck owners in California are grappling with rising gas prices, which have increased by 15 cents in the past week, with the average price for unleaded gas now at $6 per gallon, according to AAA.

Giovanni Guiulfo, owner of Señor Burger 916, said fuel costs have become a significant burden since he started his food truck nine years ago.

“You’re spending gas on driving to the food truck, driving a food truck, and then putting gas in the generator. All that adds up,” Guiulfo said. “Propane goes up as well.”

Guiulfo noted the impact of the rising costs. “You can really feel it, especially when we fill up like our gas cans that used to be like $24. Now it’s close to 30,” he said.

Aldo Tafoya, owner of El Señor del Monte, described how fuel costs are affecting his operations.

“It’s a lot of gas driving around from event to event. And on top of that, we have to use a generator to maintain our refrigeration. So that’s extra gas cost,” Tafoya said.

To manage these increased expenses, food truck owners are raising their menu prices.

“For that, we have to raise our prices and pass it on to the customers, and it’s, all the time we are battling with the prices,” Tafoya said.

Another food truck owner, Alatriste, shared a similar experience.

“Every month it goes 3 or 4 cents up, so that’s why the prices for the food are more expensive now,” Alatriste said.

While the average price for unleaded gas in California is $6, diesel has reached an all-time high of $8.21, according to AAA.

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