Commercial fishermen and passenger vessel operators in Gloucester, Mass., are feeling the strain of rising diesel prices as fuel costs continue to climb amid escalating global oil prices.

The national average price of diesel has risen to more than $5.20 per gallon, an increase of more than $2.65 compared to a year ago. The spike is adding pressure to an industry already grappling with tight margins and rising operating costs.

"They're ridiculous," Archie MacLeod Jr., a former commercial fisherman who now works at Rose's Marine in Gloucester, told CBS News. "It's really hard for guys to go out and make a living."

MacLeod said fuel has become one of the largest expenses for fishermen, particularly those making offshore trips that can extend 200 miles from shore.

"You're traveling 200 miles sometimes from shore, and all that fuel needs to be paid for," he said. "A lot of times, you don't make a paycheck until you pay for the fuel and the other expenses you have. 2026 has been a tough year."

The higher costs are also affecting Gloucester's passenger vessel fleet. Captain Jim Douglass, owner of Gloucester-based Cape Ann Whale Watch, told CBS News his company has already raised ticket prices slightly and is considering adding a fuel surcharge to offset the cost of operating its 4,000-gallon vessel.

"We have a short season here. We only run from May to October," Douglass said. "Every time that price goes up, it's a huge impact."

MacLeod said some commercial fishermen are responding by delaying the start of their seasons or keeping their vessels tied to the dock altogether.

"A lot of them just kind of say, 'With bait and fuel prices, it's a better idea to haul your gear in and stay home,'" he said, noting that some lobstermen have been slower to set their traps this season.

The rising fuel costs come as many commercial fishermen continue to face a challenging year marked by increasing operational expenses and ongoing economic pressures.