James Gleason is adjusting operations at his Swanton landscaping business as higher fuel prices cut into profits. Rising fuel costs are forcing the local company to add surcharges and limit driving.
Gleason started G6 Landscaping six years ago. He said the steady rise in fuel costs over the last year has hurt his company.
“We’re definitely seeing a financial pinch. It’s just really taking from our profits,” Gleason said.
Regular fuel in Ohio averages $4.16 a gallon, up from $3.07 last year, according to AAA. Diesel costs $6.63 a gallon, up from $3.66 last October.
Gleason said he spends roughly two times more on fuel than in previous years. He reported spending about $1,000 a week and $4,000 a month on fuel.
Fuel powers his entire Swanton company. Smaller equipment uses regular fuel, larger construction equipment runs on diesel, and trucks use both.
“We’re definitely getting into some fuel surcharges that we’re putting on existing contracts and then moving forward, obviously, we’re incorporating the higher cost of the fuel into our projects,” Gleason said.
Gleason said the company has not laid off workers. It now tries to limit trips and operate equipment more strategically.
A 90-day state tax measure was signed into law Thursday. The measure removes 38.5 cents per regular gallon and 47 cents per diesel gallon.
Gleason said he believes the state tax pause will provide some relief. He noted that business owners will take any help they can get.
State tax suspensions temporarily lower fuel costs at the pump for drivers and commercial fleets. These short pauses reduce overhead for service companies until market conditions stabilize.
Gleason said he hopes fuel prices stabilize across the Swanton area soon.
