Rising gas prices are continuing to hit drivers across the Valley, but for small business owners, it’s more than just a pain at the pump. It’s impacting how they operate day to day.
As of Wednesday, the average price of unleaded gas in Phoenix is nearing $5 per gallon, while diesel is hovering around $6, according to AAA. That’s about a $2.50 increase in diesel costs in just a month.
For Rachel and Casey Hunter, co-owners of Cactus Crew Junk Removal and Thrift Store, the spike has been difficult to keep up with.
“We didn’t think the prices were going to go up like that. I mean, $6 — did anybody think that? That’s crazy high,” Rachel Hunter said.
The husband-and-wife team runs a junk removal business that takes them across the Valley — from east Mesa to Ahwatukee to Cave Creek — with just one truck and trailer.
Their work ranges from picking up a single appliance to clearing out entire homes.
“As simple as picking up one washer and dryer to a full hoarder house cleanout,” Rachel Hunter said.
The job requires heavy-duty equipment and a powerful diesel truck to haul large loads — and that means high fuel costs.
According to AAA, the average cost of diesel in Phoenix reached a record high on Monday, surpassing $6 per gallon.
AAA spokesperson Julian Paredes said rising fuel costs are tied to broader instability in the global oil market caused by the war in Iran.
“When it comes to the oil market, that includes not just gas, but also diesel fuel and jet fuel. Pretty much all petroleum products are going to be impacted by this,” Paredes said. “As gas prices have gone up, diesel prices have gone up an equal amount. Air travel and jet fuel have also increased. It really touches almost everything in the transportation industry.”
With no clear relief in sight, the Hunters said they’ve had to make adjustments — raising prices and leaning more on their thrift store, where they resell items collected on the job.
“If I didn’t have this, we’d be kind of screwed,” Casey Hunter said.
While their thrift store has been a much-needed safety net, they’re still hoping prices will return to normal so they can continue investing in both their junk removal service and thrift store.
“I just really hope it goes back down. We’re hoping and praying it does,” they said.
For everyday drivers, AAA recommends conserving fuel by adjusting driving habits, including slowing down, keeping tires properly inflated and using apps to find the cheapest gas.
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