The indirect costs of rising fuel prices
UC economist explains diesel's impact across sectors
WLWT recently reported that the conflict in Iran is sharply raising gas and diesel prices.
The outlet turned to Debashis Pal, David Sinton Professor of Economics at the Lindner College of Business, for a look into how expensive gas can have costly effects across economic sectors.
"The price families pay for fresh produce will go up by 10% to 15%," Pal told WLWT. He said that this is because diesel fuel is used to transport many goods that people buy every day, and small surcharges for shipping costs can pile up.
"[Families] might cut back on eating out. They might cut back on buying stuff," he added. "The indirect effect will settle in if it continues."
Featured image at top of a person refueling a car. Photo/Unsplash
Related Stories
More debt, more accountants?
August 4, 2025
CFO Brew, a division of Morning Brew Inc. for finance professionals, reported that the complicated student loan environment could attract more people to professions like accounting, as recent grads look for professions that offer more stability and a faster financial pay-off. CFO Brew spoke with Michael Jones, associate professor of economics in UC’s Lindner College of Business, for an in-depth analysis of the student loan repayment landscape and what it means for early careers.
Car repossessions surge to highest level since 2009
November 25, 2025
Car repossessions are sharply on the rise. According to WLWT, repossession rates are hitting their highest level since the 2009 recession. Michael Jones, associate professor of economics in UC’s Lindner College of Business, spoke to what this data could mean for consumers and the economy.
The future of innovation in American steel
December 8, 2025
The BBC podcast, “Business Daily,” recently visited Middletown, Ohio to address the state of steel manufacturing. According to the BBC, Middletown Works, a Cleveland-Cliffs owned facility, cancelled plans for converting to a hydrogen-powered facility after the government withdrew its funding for the project.