Columbia Fire Department receives $60k in extra funds for fuel as diesel prices soar

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Columbia Fire Department is receiving an additional $60,000 for fuel purchases as diesel prices reach record levels in Missouri and nationwide.

The Columbia City Council approved the money as part of the city’s fourth-quarter adjustments to its fiscal 2026 budget. The one-time funding will come from the city’s general fund balance.

According to a council memo, the additional money is intended to cover the Fire Department’s projected fuel consumption through the end of the fiscal year on Oct. 1 and ensure uninterrupted operations for its emergency vehicles.

The memo does not specify whether higher fuel prices, increased fuel consumption or a combination of both created the need for additional funding. The request comes as diesel costs have risen sharply in Columbia and across the state and nation.

AAA reported Wednesday that diesel averaged $5.96 per gallon in Columbia. That is up about 46 cents from one week ago and more than $1 from one month ago.

LINK: ABC 17 Fuel Finder page

Diesel in Columbia cost about $3.45 per gallon at the same time last year. The current average is approximately $2.51 higher, representing an increase of more than 72% over the past year.

Columbia’s diesel average hit a new record Tuesday, according to AAA. Wednesday’s average remained within a fraction of a cent of that record.

Missouri’s average diesel price reached a record of nearly $5.97 per gallon Wednesday. That is up from about $5.56 one week ago, $5.01 one month ago and $3.40 one year ago.

The national diesel average also reached a record Wednesday at $6.31 per gallon. One year ago, the national average was about $3.70.

AAA’s figures reflect average retail pump prices. The amount the City of Columbia pays may differ depending on how it purchases fuel or whether it operates under a fuel contract.

The $60,000 fuel appropriation is part of a total of $1.16 million in additional funding for the Columbia Fire Department. The city also approved $50,000 for vehicle maintenance and outside repair work.