Rising diesel prices, extra firetruck prompt Columbia Fire Department’s 33% increase in fuel budget

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Columbia Fire Department received an additional $60,000 for fuel purchases as rising prices and increased consumption put pressure on its budget through the end of the fiscal year.

The Columbia City Council on Aug. 17 approved the one-time appropriation from the city’s General Fund balance. City documents state the money is intended to cover projected fuel consumption and ensure uninterrupted operations for emergency apparatus.

Columbia Deputy Fire Chief John Ambra said the department used about $167,000 in fuel in 2025 and was initially authorized to spend $180,000 this fiscal year. The additional appropriation brings this year’s fuel budget to $240,000, a 33% increase over the original amount.

Ambra said the department’s need for additional funding was caused by a combination of higher diesel prices and increased consumption. The department placed another firetruck into service and opened another fire station, both of which increased fuel use.

The department uses more than 3,000 gallons of fuel per month and approaches 4,000 gallons in some months, Ambra said. It operates 14 firetrucks, including frontline and reserve units.

Most of the department’s trucks hold around 60 gallons of fuel, making a complete fill-up cost at least $300 at current prices. The department also tries to keep each apparatus at least three-quarters full so crews are prepared for extended emergencies or large-scale disasters.

AAA reported Thursday that diesel was averaging $5.997 per gallon in Columbia, up from $5.506 one week ago and $3.447 one year ago. That represents an increase of 49 cents, or nearly 9%, in one week and approximately 74% during the past year.

Regular gasoline in Columbia was averaging $4.136 per gallon Thursday. That was about 10 cents higher than one week ago and approximately 42% higher than last year.

Statewide, Missouri’s diesel average reached $6.07 per gallon, up 47 cents from one week ago and about 78% from last year. Regular gasoline was averaging $4.09 statewide, an increase of 14 cents in one week and about 42% from last year.

The national diesel average reached a record of nearly $6.40 per gallon Thursday, according to AAA. The national average for regular gasoline was about $4.44 per gallon.

Ambra said the department would have to seek more funding if prices continue increasing.

“No, we would definitely need to request more money,” Ambra said. “It’s definitely something that’s scary, I guess, if you will, to watch the prices increase to what they are.”

Ambra said the effects could extend beyond the fuel needed to operate the department’s vehicles. Higher transportation costs could also increase what the department pays for equipment, uniforms, emergency medical supplies and other goods.

“It is concerning to think that we’re going to be hit with rising costs on all those other services and the goods, too, to provide, you know, for our department members and staff to ensure mission-ready,” Ambra said. “So it’s concerning. That’s for sure.”

AAA Missouri spokesperson Carly McKinnis said crude-oil prices on global markets are the largest factor driving the increases. She estimated crude oil accounts for roughly 40% of the cost of a gallon of diesel and at least half the cost of gasoline.

McKinnis said instability overseas is creating concerns about both the transportation and production of oil and fuel.

“What we’re seeing overseas in terms of the Iran war, we’ve got the Strait of Hormuz, which is a pinch point, and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait,” McKinnis said.

Diesel is facing additional pressure from the Russia-Ukraine war. Ukrainian drone attacks have damaged Russian refineries and reduced fuel production. Reuters reported three of Russia’s six largest diesel-producing refineries halted or significantly reduced output during September.

McKinnis said markets also raise prices based on the risk of future disruptions—even before a physical shortage reaches the United States.

She said higher diesel costs could eventually reach consumers through increased transportation and delivery expenses.

“Ultimately, pretty much every part of the economy touches diesel in some way,” McKinnis said. “Agriculture, construction. You’re just talking about civic government in terms of fire trucks and snowplows.”

McKinnis said retailers may initially absorb some of those added costs but could eventually pass them to customers through higher prices for groceries and other goods if elevated diesel prices continue.