We recognized a net loss attributable to Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. of $29.1 million and $19.4 million in the fourth fiscal quarter of fiscal 2023 and 2022, respectively. In fiscal 2023 and 2022, we had net earnings attributable to Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. of $136.9 million and $148.0 million, respectively. Operating expense as a percentage of total revenue increased 27% for the fourth fiscal quarter and 12% for fiscal 2023.
Fourth fiscal quarter results were impacted by an increase of $10.6 million in operating loss as operating expense increased $14.8 million primarily due to the Company increasing personnel for growth projects, including increased acquisitions and the expansion by the company’s tank exchange brand, Blue Rhino, into self-service vending. These expenses were partially offset by the $9.6 million increase in gross profit discussed above.
The $11.1 million decrease in net earnings attributable to Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. for fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2002 corresponds with an $11.4 million decrease in operating income driven by a $56.9 million increase in operating expense and an $18.0 million increase in general and administrative expense. The increase in operating expense was primarily due to increases of approximately $28.8 million in personnel expense from planned increases in compensation across the company and the addition of service technicians in high-growth areas. In addition, the company had a planned expense of $13.3 million in vehicle repairs, maintenance, and fuel costs due to continued high market costs in these growth areas for fiscal 2023. The remainder of the increase was primarily related to higher claims costs. The increase in general and administrative expense was primarily due to a $13.8 million increase in legal costs associated with a non-core business and $2.1 million of non-recurring costs related to the implementation of an ERP system as part of our business transformation initiatives.
Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, decreased by $5.2 million, or 15%, to $29.0 million in the fourth fiscal quarter compared to $34.2 million in the prior year quarter. The change was primarily due to the $9.7 million increase in net loss attributable to Ferrellgas Partners, L.P., as noted above, and favorable EBITDA adjustments for asset sales and disposals, business transformation costs and legal fees related to a non-core business, which aggregated to $6.1 million.
Adjusted EBITDA increased $20.1 million, or 6%, to $360.2 million for fiscal 2023 compared to $340.1 million in fiscal 2022. This was primarily the result of margin performance from retail operations which was $83.8 million favorable relative to fiscal 2022, partially offset by increases in operating, general and administrative expenses, some of which are non-recurring and factored into the adjustments to EBITDA.
On July 31, 2023, the Company announced the appointment of Tamria Zertuche as President and CEO, and the appointment of Mr. Ferrell to Executive Chairman of the Board, both effective August 1, 2023. As Chief Operating Officer, Ms. Zertuche transformed Ferrellgas into a technology-enabled logistics company while also significantly improving financial performance. Her background in information technology and 19 years with Ferrellgas in positions of increasing responsibility have well prepared her for this new leadership role.
On July 17, 1998, Mr. Ferrell transferred his family’s equity interest in the company to an Employee Stock Ownership Trust. This allowed employee ownership of the company through an ESOP, which is still celebrated 25 years later by our employee-owners, who continue to demonstrate excellence.
The Company had more than 200 nominations for Ferrellgas Flame awards during the fourth fiscal quarter, including 27 in Safety, 87 in Customer Service, 20 in Innovation, and 74 in Leadership. This employee recognition program is yet another way Ferrellgas shows appreciation to its most valuable resource, its employee-owners. In addition to performance recognition, Ferrellgas believes in education and continuous improvement. The Golden Rhino Award program recognizes a Blue Rhino employee or group each quarter from production, operations and corporate for their accomplishments.