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The hidden $350 surcharge on American households

You may not drive a diesel car. You’re still paying for diesel.

This story was originally published by Grist and is reproduced here as part of the Climate Desk collaboration.

Diesel prices hit an all-time high on last week. Then another, and another.

According to AAA, the average price of diesel as of September 10 stands at a staggering $5.98 — about $2.31 more than in late February, when the United States and Israel launched a war against Iran. The jump has been even higher in some states, such as California, where a gallon of diesel currently costs $7.91.

Most Americans don’t buy diesel fuel, but they pay for it indirectly in so many ways.

It powers the trucks and ships that move everything from milk to lumber, and the costs are embedded in the prices people see at stores. The last time consumers saw diesel prices climb to such heights was in 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine and they hit $5.82 per gallon.

This year, the Iran war has largely closed the Strait of Hormuz, through which 10........

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