By admin 
TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – Wholesale inflation jumped six percent in April, the biggest increase since 2022, and local businesses like Dickman’s Meat and Deli are feeling the effects.
Read more Tucson Now: ALS Awareness Month
The business is paying more for fuel, which has impacted distribution and transportation prices, but is still waiting to see any notable increases in prices for meat from distributors.
“Definitely gas needs to go down, that’s for sure,” said Tim L’Armee, general manager of Dickman’s.
As oil prices continue to rise for the 10th straight week amid the ongoing conflict in Iran, businesses are adjusting to higher costs.
“Us driving around for the store, you know, gas is more expensive, and that’s definitely a factor,” L’Armee said.
Dan Dickman, the store’s owner, tells 13 News he’s paying nearly $100 more per fill-up for diesel for the truck he uses to deliver between his two stores.
L’Armee has worked for Dickman’s for 20 years and said this reminds him of past inflation in 2008 and most recently in 2022.
“2022 was, yeah, it was pretty rough, and then there was an uptick in meat prices,” L’Armee said.
L’Armee said he hopes it doesn’t get to that point this time around, but it is something he’s been talking about with his distributors.
Read more Pima County cites Project Blue subcontractor for air quality violation
“Nothing major or significant, but I would imagine if the gas prices keep going up, that could definitely have an effect on the meat industry,” L’Armee said.
He said that’s especially true now, as there are factors this time of year that often negatively impact the meat industry.
“Going into the summer, there’s drought or wildfires, stuff like that,” L’Armee said.
L’Armee says while they’ve kept prices down for consumers so far, it might not last if there is a price increase by Dickman’s distributors.
“I would imagine if those prices – if the gas keeps going up – then it could impact them definitely, but always the goal is to keep prices low, keep customers coming back and keep employees employed,” L’Armee said.
L’Armee says as long as customers keep coming, Dickman’s will be alright regardless of how expensive prices get. He hopes upcoming holidays like Memorial Day, Father’s Day, and the Fourth of July will bring more people in looking to buy meat ahead of holiday barbecues, keeping business up.
Are you streaming 13 News?
Watch a free live stream of Tucson Now and 13 News at TucsonNow.Live.
Be sure to download the free Tucson Now app which you can find on Apple and Google.
If you are using a desktop computer, you can use your mobile device to scan the QR code below.
Read more Man accused of setting fire outside Trump Store in Tombstone
You can submit your breaking news or weather images here.