The skyrocketing cost of diesel is having a significant impact on local businesses.

Akita Equipment and Auto Transport, a local and long-distance trucking company based in the metro region, is among those feeling the pinch.

Owner Chris Howlett says the rising cost of diesel has been affecting them over the last six to eight months, but it has gone to a whole new level in the last week.

He calls it a “never-ending battle” trying to keep up with rising costs.

Diesel has seen two significant spikes in the last few days.

Howlett says things are changing so rapidly, they’re adjusting operations on a daily basis.

“For the most part we’re not carrying quotes right now over 24 hours,” Howlett tells VOCM News.