Big revamp coming for Block 37

The surge in global energy prices driven by international conflict is making headlines at the pump.

But in Chicago, as Crane's Judith Crown reports, skyrocketing diesel costs are hitting far beyond the long-haul trucking industry, squeezing local small businesses from lakefront tour boats to Hollywood film sets.

At DuSable Harbor, a historic red fireboat, the Fred A. Bussey, sets sail daily.

Partner Eric Tosh operates history tours on the 83-year-old vessel.

But these days, fueling up leaves a bitter taste.

A single trip now costs $63 in diesel, up two-thirds from last year.

Eric Tosh says, quote, it's extremely frustrating when we're already running on tight margins with a seasonal business in Chicago.

We tried this year not to pass it on to our customers, but we'll be reconsidering next year, end quote.

According to AAA, average Illinois diesel prices have nearly doubled over the past year, hitting $6.59 a gallon.

And it's not just tour boats feeling the burn.

Paper Tiger, a document shredding service based in Gurnee, operates eight trucks across Chicagoland.

Daily fuel costs per truck have jumped from $45 to $76.

The company expects its total annual fuel bill to top $152,000, a 64% surge.

Even Chicago's bustling film industry is taking a hit.

Real Light Generators supplies portable diesel power for high-profile TV productions like The Bear and The Shy.

Running a set generator for a 12-hour day now costs over $300 in fuel, up nearly $180.

While productions use battery packs when possible, industry experts say heavy-duty electric tech isn't quite there yet.

For now, diesel remains a necessary expense.