At the 2026 Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting in Omaha, Nebraska, on May 1st, Adam Johnson, CEO of NetJets and President of the Consumer Products, Services, and Retail division, stated that rising costs, including oil prices surpassing $100 per barrel, have begun to dampen consumer demand in certain sectors.

Johnson noted that demand has already been impacted within the consumer goods and brick-and-mortar retail industries.

While acknowledging the operational pressures, Johnson indicated that the businesses under his purview are accustomed to maintaining stable operations amidst market fluctuations.

He affirmed that the company is prepared to respond and will adjust its strategy as necessary. However, he conceded that high energy prices have indeed adversely affected some retail and consumer goods operations.