FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 11, 2026
Contact:
Hans Torgerson
TARIFF CHAOS AND RISING GAS PRICES ARE COSTING KANSANS
Over the past week, reporting showed farmers, families, and small businesses still getting squeezed by the fallout from the disastrous tariff agenda and uncertainty in the Strait of Hormuz.
This past week:
KANSAS CITY COULD SEE $5 GAS
A UMKC economist says Kansas City-area gas prices could rise to $5 per gallon if global oil supply disruptions continue. The economist warned that higher crude oil prices affect nearly every sector of the economy, including transportation, plastics, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, groceries, and other everyday consumer goods.
FUEL AND FERTILIZER COSTS ARE BLOWING UP FARM BUDGETS
Kansas farm budgets are getting hammered by rising oil, diesel, and fertilizer prices. K-State economist Gregg Ibendahl warned that higher fuel prices could easily add another $10,000 in fuel costs for Kansas farms, while fertilizer increases could add roughly $12,000 more in average costs this year.
COURTS ARE KNOCKING DOWN TRUMP’S TARIFFS — BUT KANSANS ARE STILL STUCK WITH THE DAMAGE
A federal trade court struck down Trump’s 10% worldwide tariffs as “invalid” and “unauthorized by law,” but that does not mean Kansas farmers, small businesses, or families are getting relief. The ruling only directly blocks tariff collection for the plaintiffs in the case, leaving Kansan families and farmers trapped in the uncertainty, higher costs, and economic fallout these tariffs have created.
KANSAS FARMERS ARE GETTING CRUSHED BY HIGHER INPUT COSTS
Kansas farmers are still facing major cost increases for the basics they need to operate, including diesel, fertilizer, machinery, and feed. K-State experts warned that tariffs can raise the cost of imported inputs while also reducing export demand, creating a double hit for producers already dealing with tight margins.
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