The rising cost of fuel and its effect on road maintenance costs came into sharp focus Tuesday as the Meeker County Board approved summer fuel contracts.

Jack’s Oil Distributing in Eden Valley won the contract for supplying fuel for eight county highway sheds at the low bid of $144,807.

Six years ago, according to figures compiled by county Highway Engineer Ron Mortensen, the same contract was awarded for $34,517. Three years later, in 2005, the total more than doubled to $74,118.

Similarly, the cost for the Litchfield highway shed was let to Litchfield Oil at $93,137. Six years ago, the low bid was $22,725.

Litchfield Oil Co. also won the bid for supplying gas to the Sheriff’s Department on a bid of $80,320. The low bid in 2002 was $17,199.