News12 New York
N12 Originals
Numbers & Links
Local
Crime
Weather
Politics
Toll of Commuting
FIFA World Cup

Rising costs take a toll on Long Islanders as inflation reaches 3‑year peak

Inflation has surged to 4.2%, marking it the highest level seen in three years. For many Long Islanders, the rising costs of everything are taking a toll.

Julia Rosier

Jun 10, 2026, 5:16 PM

Updated

Share:

More Stories

Inflation has surged to 4.2%, marking it the highest level seen in three years.

For many Long Islanders, the rising costs of everything are taking a toll.

"We're surviving," Plainview resident Ron Labrocca said. "I have two cars that need premium fuel, so that's another added expense."

Experts say these high prices could last through the summer.

"Rising oil prices have driven up the price of just about everything that consumers pay for and we're feeling it whether we're at the grocery store or booking travel tickets for the summer, or we're just trying to plan a family outing," said Caleb Silver, chief business editor at People Inc.

Silver said inflation has been putting intense pressure on Long Islanders, causing people to cut back on travel and other activities.

"Diesel fuel and diesel prices are up over 40%," Silver said. "Fruit and vegetable prices are about 10 to 15% higher than they were last year and coffee prices are anywhere from 15 to 25% higher."

Some stores like Stop & Shop lowered prices at all of their 46 Long Island stores.

As News 12 reported, lines are getting longer at Costco Wholesale gas stations because of prices.

But despite gas prices going down a bit, some say they're feeling the effects of it all.

"I go with my I go with my wife food shopping once a week, and I see the differences dramatically," Plainview resident Howard Schultz said.

Experts say there are ways you can save while prices are high.

"This is a good time to lean on coupons, and this is a good time to lean on maximizing your loyalty with whatever programs you belong to," Silver said.

More Stories

Top Stories

01:31
NJJCBankFire6195p_2026-06-19-17-19-20

Fire erupts inside abandoned bank building in Jersey City; 2 burned, 1 firefighter injured

02:00
Screenshot 2026-06-19 145450

Sunny and dry for Saturday and Sunday. Much-needed rain to start the week

00:21
Handcuffbillpkg717_2025-07-17-16-44-47

Little League president in NJ town charged with stealing more than $73,000, prosecutor says

00:49
NJJerseyProud61926_2026-06-19-22-19-18

Jersey Proud: The ‘Card Lady’ gives hundreds of cancer patients hope

02:07
PARKWAY TRAFFIC RAW TN

Jersey Shore traffic outlook: Roads packed ahead of sunny summer weekend

02:29
solsltice sunset

Summer begins this Sunday with over 15 hours of daylight for Father’s Day

Jersey Mike's

Jersey Mike’s replaces Chick-fil-A atop customer satisfaction ranking, study finds

00:25
attorney general

Englishtown councilman among 2 men charged in organized crime investigation

KNICKS RESCUE RAW TN

New Jersey EMT hailed as hero after reviving man at Knicks championship parade

00:20
processed-771DB4A5-E3EF-4931-99BF-C58A358B0602

Woman found dead after three-alarm house fire in South Bound Brook

02:10
NJWorldCupCar6195p_2026-06-19-17-21-48

Kearny man turns tiny car into rolling World Cup tribute

00:18
CLIFTON HIT RUN RAW TN

Car sideswipes Clifton childcare center, drives off, police say

AP26170714954300

Despite Christian Pulisic’s absence, US beats Australia 2-0 to advance to World Cup knockout round

00:23
WayneJewleryStoreRobberyVo5p_2026-06-19-17-32-09

2 Paterson men charged in jewelry store robbery; more arrests possible

00:21
Tomani Johnston Blur Mug

Bayonne police identify suspect in armed jewelry store robbery

00:19
Pride Flag

Waldwick Pride flag stolen for the second time

00:30
082ed608-fa03-46ec-8d3b-0b4ddbefc3d8

Bass Pro Shop to host hiring event ahead of Sayreville store opening

00:25
619terrorsentencing_2026-06-19-08-21-51

Teen inspired by ISIS sentenced for knife attack against Florence Township police

00:19
guilty verdict

Williamstown man found guilty in fatal 119 mph crash

00:24
Deck Collapse 4

Seven people injured in Long Valley deck collapse

App StoreGoogle Play Store

info

Newsletter

Send Photos/Videos

Contact

About Us

News Team

News 12 New York

follow us

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

more resources

Optimum Corporate

Optimum Service

Advertise on News 12

Careers

Content Removal Policy

© 2026 N12N, LLC

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

Ad Choices