Adam Sosnick argues that travel and entertainment costs are squeezing ordinary Americans, pointing to expensive airfare and California fuel prices. His broader thesis: as going out gets more expensive, staying home with streaming and gaming becomes increasingly attractive. The California fuel numbers are close to current reality. AAA lists regular gasoline at about $6.17 per gallon and diesel at $8.42 as of September 21. California diesel has reached a record statewide average, while some individual stations charge even more. The pain isn't confined to California. The U.S. national gasoline average is roughly $4.48, while diesel recently crossed $6 nationally for the first time. Higher transportation costs can flow through to freight, agriculture, manufacturing and consumer prices. Energy markets are under unusual pressure from disruptions associated with conflicts involving Iran and Ukraine. Reuters reports U.S. diesel inventories are exceptionally tight, with analysts warning the global diesel shortage could persist into 2027.