North Carolina Schools Grapple with Soaring Diesel Prices

0:00Its March 11th in Durham, let's get into the news. Rising diesel prices are hitting North Carolina school systems hard, forcing them to rethink budgets for bus fuel. The average cost per gallon has climbed above $4.80, just over the national average, and up nearly $1 from last week. Tensions in the Middle East, including recent U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, have driven oil past $90 a barrel with no end in sight. Fuel districts are bracing for more ups and downs in pricing as the conflict drags on. Officials in Wake County public schools say they have enough fuel stock to last through the end of April. They're already shifting money from other areas to cover buys for the rest of the school year. The State Department of Public Instruction is watching prices closely on their contracts and updating leaders. They know lots of market uncertainty right now makes predictions tough. Back in 2022, the Department pushed for tens of millions in aid for fuel reserve, and schools got $2.30 per gallon in the budget to help offset costs.

1:03Talks with lawmakers could ramp up again soon.