AAA reported on Wednesday that the average price for a gallon of gasoline in the U.S. rose to $4.51, with the average cost for diesel fuel now up to $5.65 per gallon.

Escalating fuel expenses are pushing repossession agents to their “breaking point,” according to an urgent message sent by the American Recovery Association earlier this week.

ARA is urging lenders, forwarders, and industry partners to recognize the growing operational strain that record-high fuel prices are placing on repossession and recovery agencies across the country.

The association pointed out the recovery industry operates almost entirely through mobile field operations.

“When fuel prices rise to these levels, the cost of running every truck, every mile, and every assignment increases substantially,” ARA said. “Agencies are doing everything possible to continue servicing clients effectively, but the current environment is creating serious operational challenges.”

ARA also noted that these concerns have already been brought directly to lenders and industry leaders through discussions at NARS 2026 in April and during a dedicated industry roundtable focused specifically on fuel costs and operational sustainability.

While many participants acknowledged the seriousness of the issue, the association said the most common response from lenders and forwarders has been that they are “reviewing the data.”

“Unfortunately, the industry no longer has the luxury of waiting,” ARA said, noting that it has now been more than four months since fuel costs began reaching historic levels because of conflict in the Middle East.

If current conditions continue without relief or operational adjustments, ARA said lenders and industry partners may begin to see:

—Longer recovery timelines

—Reduced agent coverage in rural and extended service areas

—Increased operational restrictions on lower-priority accounts

—Fewer accounts being actively worked

—A reduction in the number of active recovery agencies within the industry

ARA president Todd Case implored the industry that it is time to stop talking about the problem and start doing something about it.

“The recovery industry has always adapted, endured, and continued to serve its clients regardless of the challenges placed before it,” Case said. “But the current economic pressures are pushing many agencies to a breaking point. Without meaningful support and operational changes, we risk losing experienced recovery professionals and agencies essential to this industry’s effective functioning.

“If that happens, the long-term impact on recovery coverage, response times, and lender performance across the country will be substantial,” Case went on to say.