LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – The City of Lubbock is grappling with rising fuel costs that have increased 13% over last year, according to the city’s Fleet Operations director.
Dominic Esperat, who oversees more than 2,000 vehicles and pieces of equipment, said fuel prices have been climbing steadily.
“We haven’t seen prices like this since COVID,” Esperat said. “And we can see it’s just increasing at this point. So, we’re hoping for a period of leveling off, but at the moment it’s just been increasing.”
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For the last month, unleaded fuel has cost $2.95 per gallon while diesel has been $4.11 for the city. That compares to this time last year, when unleaded was $2.09 and diesel was $2.42.
The city budgeted $5.3 million for fuel this year and has already spent $2.8 million.
“We’re thinking we’re going to hit that budgeted number, but it is possible that we may go over,” Esperat said.
The city buys its fuel in bulk based on the wholesale price plus taxes and delivery fees. Fleet operations receives a daily quote for prices, and Esperat said his team monitors global conditions and fuel levels to time purchases.
“I’d say we try to be strategic with our ordering, but if we need to order the fuel, we will,” Esperat said.
The city also works to ensure employees run efficient routes and perform preventative maintenance, like regular oil changes.
“Just want to make sure that our vehicles are able to be run, so you know our drivers and our city workers can deliver those services that the citizens want,” Esperat said.
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