As inflation and fuel prices stay high, region’s business community feels the pinch

June 6, 2026 - 02:32

U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, a Democrat from Oregon, spent time this week listening to small business owners in Lane County describe the harsh realities of operating in a volatile economy. With inflation remaining stubbornly high and fuel prices refusing to drop, the region's business community is feeling a serious squeeze.

During a roundtable discussion, owners from various sectors told the senator that their profit margins are shrinking fast. The cost of raw materials, shipping, and everyday supplies has climbed steadily, leaving little room for error. For many, the biggest pain point is fuel. Delivery services, landscapers, and food trucks all reported that high diesel and gas prices are eating into their revenue, forcing some to raise prices or cut back on routes.

Merkley listened closely to the concerns, which went beyond just fuel. Business owners also pointed to difficulty finding workers and the rising cost of commercial rent. One restaurant owner described having to choose between paying for a shipment of ingredients or covering the electric bill. Another talked about how supply chain delays are still causing problems, with orders arriving weeks late.

The senator acknowledged that federal policies have not done enough to ease the burden on Main Street. He said he would take the feedback back to Washington, focusing on ways to lower costs for small businesses and stabilize supply chains. For now, though, the owners in Lane County are left to navigate a tough landscape, hoping for relief that has yet to arrive.