by James Akeralrea
May 29, 2026
An important message to our relatives and friends in the Yukon-Kuskokwim region:
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is affecting fuel prices and supply around the world. Alaska gets most of its fuel from Asia, and shipping problems in the Strait of Hormuz are making it harder and more expensive to transport fuel.
As a result, gasoline, diesel, and heating fuel prices have increased by several dollars per gallon, and prices may continue to rise. These increases are happening as communities prepare for summer and fall fuel deliveries that are needed to make it through the winter.
If you would like to read more on the current events and what is out there, read the KYUK Article and the Northern Journal article.
We strongly encourage communities and residents in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta to prepare early and carefully. Fuel shortages and rising prices are expected to impact both the cost and availability of fuel for this coming winter. Families and communities should keep this in mind as they plan summer and fall fuel orders and household budgets.
We encourage communities and households to:
• Review fuel needs before upcoming barge deliveries.
• Prepare for higher fuel prices this summer and winter.
• Set aside extra room in community and household budgets if possible.
• Communicate early with suppliers, utilities, and local leaders about fuel needs and expected costs.
• Avoid depending on nearby communities or utilities for extra fuel during the winter.
While we cannot control global events, we can prepare for them. Planning in advance and working with appropriate partners can help reduce the financial burden that many communities encounter during these challenging times. These steps also ensure our communities are sufficiently prepared for the winter season.
People in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta have always faced challenges through preparation, cooperation, and supporting one another. We are confident that we will get through this challenge together.
Quyana for continuing to care for and support each other.
Quyana,
James Akerelrea, President
Yukon-Kuskokwim Regional Tribal Government
The Yukon-Kuskokwim Regional Tribal Government (Y-K RTG) was established in 2021 to better protect our inherent rights to subsistence within our lands, to ensure public safety, to improve our regional economy and infrastructure, and to fundamentally overcome the injustices that have sought to weaken us politically, economically, and culturally, and worked to destroy our traditional way-of-being. The Y-K RTG works in collaboration with other partner organizations to advance the economic, social, and cultural well-being of the Indigenous people of the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta.