EnergyAnchorage · April 24, 2026
six dollar diesel
Diesel just crossed $6 a gallon in Anchorage, and the ripple effects are already showing up in your grocery bill.
Daily Alaska staff · April 24, 2026 · Anchorage
Diesel prices in Anchorage have crossed six dollars a gallon at some stations, and the increase is rippling through shipping costs across Alaska. Three major shipping companies, Alaska Marine Lines, Matson and Tote Maritime, raised their fuel surcharges this month, pushing up the cost of goods that arrive by barge.
Alaska Marine Lines increased its surcharge from 11 percent to more than 18 percent. Matson raised its surcharge from about 20 percent to nearly 27 percent. Tote Maritime also raised its rate in late March. The increases affect the price of groceries, building materials and other goods shipped to communities including Anchorage, Bethel and Kodiak.
Alaska Airlines also raised baggage fees this month, citing fuel costs. The increases come as inflation hit its highest point in nearly two years in March, driven primarily by energy costs. Alaska gas prices are running about 50 cents above the national average.
In this story
Questions people ask
Why did Alaska shipping costs go up recently?
Alaska Marine Lines, Matson and Tote Maritime all raised fuel surcharges in March and April, driving up the cost of goods delivered by barge to communities statewide.
How much is diesel in Anchorage now?
About $6 a gallon at some stations, running roughly 50 cents above the national average, which ripples through grocery and other costs.
Which Alaska communities are hit by higher shipping costs?
All communities that depend on barge service are affected, including Anchorage, Bethel and Kodiak.
Did airfares go up too?
Alaska Airlines raised baggage fees this month, citing ongoing fuel price volatility.
Evidence
Sources
Claims and where they come from
- Diesel is running about $6 a gallon at some Anchorage stations · alaskapublic.org
- Alaska Marine Lines raised its fuel surcharge from 11 percent to 18.5 percent · alaskapublic.org
- Matson raised its fuel surcharge from 20.5 percent to 26.5 percent · alaskapublic.org
- Alaska Airlines raised baggage fees this month, citing fuel costs · alaskapublic.org
- Inflation hit its highest point in nearly two years in March, driven primarily by energy costs · alaskapublic.org
Produced with AI assistance, narrated with Slav Lund's voice clone with his consent, and reviewed by a person before publishing. How we use AI →