The national average price for on highway diesel reached a record $6.285 per gallon, up 32 cents from the previous week, according to data the U.S. Energy Information Administration released on September 15. Gasoline prices rose 16 cents to a national average of $4.319 per gallon over the same period.
Diesel prices increased across every region of the country. The East Coast recorded the largest jump, rising 41 cents to $6.158 per gallon. The Midwest climbed 30 cents to $6.250, the Gulf Coast rose 27 cents to $6.027, and the Rocky Mountain region increased 26 cents to $6.066. The West Coast posted the highest regional average at $7.250 per gallon, or $6.566 when California is excluded.
AAA reported a slightly different national diesel average of $6.269 per gallon, about 4 cents below the EIA figure, and noted the price stands $2.583 higher than the same week last year. AAA attributed the increase to volatility affecting shipping routes near the Strait of Hormuz, which has pushed crude oil prices back above $100 a barrel for the first time since July.
Rising diesel costs continue to weigh on trucking and freight operations, since fuel represents one of the largest line items in carrier operating budgets. Higher fuel surcharges are also being passed through to spot and contract freight rates industrywide.
Source: FleetOwner - https://www.fleetowner.com/emissions-efficiency/news/55405283/record-high-us-diesel-prices-hit-6-as-strait-of-hormuz-tensions-raise-trucking-costs