Runaway Country with Alex Wagner The Gas Prices Are Too Damn High
24 snips
Apr 23, 2026 
Alex Wetherall, a Massachusetts gas station owner, explains how wholesale price swings force retail decisions. Jim Ellinger, an Uber driver in Las Vegas, shares how rising fuel costs hit gig incomes and safety choices. Derek Thompson, writer and podcaster known for economic analysis, connects fuel spikes to wider supply, fertilizer, and political consequences. Multiple short conversations reveal immediate financial strain and systemic ripple effects.
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Uber Driver Doubles Fuel Costs And Digs Into Savings
- Jim Ellinger describes Uber driving becoming nearly unprofitable as gas jumped from ~$2.70 to $4.37 a gallon, doubling his full-tank cost from $40 to $76.
- He reports fewer drivers on the road, dipping into savings, and driving longer hours to recoup losses, stressing safety and retirement plans.
Gas Station Owner Sees Wholesale Load Costs Jump 40 Percent
- Alex Wetherall, a Massachusetts gas station owner, explains delivered load costs jumped from about $28,300 to roughly $40,000 after the Iran attack.
- He reluctantly raised pump prices to $3.99 to cover margins, noticing cash-only customers asking for small cash fills.
Check Local Prices Before Raising Your Pump Rates
- Alex Wetherall describes monitoring competitor pump prices and matching them to avoid losing customers while covering rising delivered costs.
- He raised price to $3.99 after checking local stations to stay competitive and protect his penny margins.