ORLANDO, Fla. — Rising gas prices are putting pressure on drivers in Florida and across the country, with some rideshare and food delivery drivers saying higher fuel costs are cutting into their earnings.
Mitch Stein, a DoorDash driver, said he delivers food to make extra income but has noticed more of that money going toward gas.
“Maybe you got to look for something else to do because it’s a big difference,” Stein said.
AAA said the national average for regular gas is about $4.31 a gallon, up about 13 cents from last week. In Florida, the average is about $4.14 a gallon.
At the same time, international oil prices have climbed back above $100 a barrel for the first time since July.
President Donald Trump said Wednesday he believes oil prices likely will not come back down until after the November midterm elections.
The ongoing conflict with Iran has slowed the flow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz, where about 20% of the world’s petroleum passed through before the conflict.
Richard Lewin, a professor at Rollins College, said the issue is tied to moving oil from where it is available to where it is needed.
“It is not the fact that all supply is limited; it’s the constraints of moving oil from where it’s abundant to where it’s needed,” Lewin said.
Lewin said people who drive for DoorDash or Uber, whether full-time or for extra income, are taking a more direct financial hit than many other drivers.
“They’re having to pay the wear and tear of the vehicle, and obviously they have to pay the marginal cost of fuel,” Lewin said. “So, it is a direct hit to their bottom line.”
Lewin suggested drivers look for ways to reduce fuel costs, including signing up for rewards programs, carpooling with friends and family and keeping up with vehicle maintenance so cars use gas efficiently. For rideshare and food delivery drivers, he suggested being selective with orders, including accepting nearby deliveries or those that pay well.