Operations

Rising energy costs could add more pressure restaurants

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September 10, 2026

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Rising energy costs are adding another layer of pressure for restaurant operators, with producer prices increasing 0.4% in August, according to the latest Producer Price Index.

Energy prices jumped 4.2%, led by a 24.1% surge in diesel, while wholesale food prices edged up just 0.1%. The data suggests transportation and distribution costs could become a growing concern for restaurant operators even as food price inflation remains relatively contained.