May 4, 2026 — Shrimp boats are sitting at the dock as rising diesel fuel prices force local seafood businesses to cut back on trips to sea.
The average price for diesel fuel in North Carolina is now more than $5.50 per gallon, according to AAA. That’s a $1.50 more than the price this time last year.
Bob Taylor, who has spent 22 years in the seafood business, said the increase is affecting daily operations at Calabash’s Waterfront Seafood Shack.
“Fuel is liquid gold right now. We want it to go back to liquid silver,” Taylor said.