2022 fuel prices 2013 crude oil prices increased at a steady rate in 2007 , rising from a low of $ 56.58 per barrel in january to close at nearly $ 96.00 per barrel at the end of december . our 2007 average fuel price increased by 9% ( 9 % ) and added $ 242 million of operating expenses compared to 2006 . our fuel surcharge programs are designed to help offset the impact of higher fuel prices . in addition , our fuel conservation efforts allowed us to improve our consumption rate by 2% ( 2 % )