Diesel Prices Drop 33 Cents After September Surge

U.S. diesel prices have declined for two consecutive weeks following a period of sharp increases in September. However, fuel costs remain significantly higher than a year ago, according to the latest data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

The national average on-highway diesel price fell to $6.199 per gallon on October 5, 2026. That represents a 33-cent decline from September 21, when the national average reached $6.529 per gallon.

The latest weekly decrease was 18.3 cents per gallon, following a 14.7-cent reduction the previous week.

Despite the recent relief, diesel remains $2.488 per gallon more expensive than during the same period in 2025.

EIA’s October 6 Short-Term Energy Outlook suggests that fuel prices could remain elevated in the coming weeks, with the agency projecting diesel prices above $6 per gallon during October.

Diesel Prices Reverse Course After September Increases

National average diesel prices over the past three reporting periods were:

• September 21: $6.529 per gallon.
• September 28: $6.382 per gallon, down 14.7 cents.
• October 5: $6.199 per gallon, down another 18.3 cents.

Together, those decreases brought the national average down 33 cents per gallon in two weeks.

However, the latest average remains substantially higher than historical levels.

Compared with October 2025, diesel prices are approximately $2.49 per gallon higher. Compared with two years earlier, the difference is approximately $2.62.

These comparisons show that the recent declines have not reversed the broader increase in fuel expenses.

For trucking companies and owner-operators, the direction of fuel prices matters, but the overall cost per gallon remains an important operating concern.

Diesel Prices Fall Across Every Major U.S. Region

The October 5 EIA report showed declining diesel prices across all major U.S. regions.

The largest weekly reductions occurred in the Lower Atlantic and Midwest, where prices fell by more than 20 cents per gallon.

The latest regional averages were:

• East Coast: $5.951 per gallon, down 18.6 cents.
• New England: $6.476 per gallon, down 3.4 cents.
• Central Atlantic: $6.485 per gallon, down 4.6 cents.
• Lower Atlantic: $5.699 per gallon, down 25.4 cents.
• Midwest: $6.286 per gallon, down 24 cents.
• Gulf Coast: $5.819 per gallon, down 13.6 cents.
• Rocky Mountain: $6.267 per gallon, down 14 cents.
• West Coast: $7.229 per gallon, down 12.8 cents.
• West Coast excluding California: $6.490 per gallon, down 15.3 cents.

Although every region recorded a decline, prices continued to vary significantly across the country.

The Lower Atlantic recorded the lowest average among the listed regions, while the West Coast remained the most expensive.

These differences can influence fuel expenses for trucking operations traveling through multiple regions.

California Diesel Prices Remain Above $8 per Gallon

California continued to report the highest diesel prices among the areas tracked separately by EIA.

The state’s average fell to $8.082 per gallon on October 5, a decrease of 9.9 cents from the previous week.

However, California diesel remained $3.111 per gallon more expensive than a year earlier.

For comparison, the Gulf Coast averaged $5.819 per gallon, while the Lower Atlantic averaged $5.699.

That places California’s average more than $2.38 per gallon above the Lower Atlantic.

For long-haul trucking companies and owner-operators, these regional differences may influence fuel purchasing decisions.

However, actual fuel prices vary by location, and individual truck stops may charge more or less than the reported averages.

EIA Expects Diesel Prices to Stay Above $6 in October

Although diesel prices have declined over the past two weeks, EIA does not expect an immediate return to the lower levels recorded in previous years.

In its October 6 Short-Term Energy Outlook, the agency projected that retail diesel prices would remain above $6 per gallon during October.

EIA also expects prices to gradually decline afterward, with diesel potentially averaging approximately $4.50 per gallon in 2027.

However, these figures are forecasts rather than confirmed future prices.

The outlook depends on several factors, including global oil production, petroleum inventories, and international shipping conditions.

Changes in supply or demand could cause actual prices to differ from EIA’s projections.

Global Oil Supply Disruptions Continue to Affect Diesel Prices

EIA identified disruptions to oil supplies from the Middle East as one factor contributing to elevated petroleum prices.

According to the agency, Brent crude oil averaged $114 per barrel in September, an increase of $23 from August.

EIA expects Brent crude to average approximately $105 per barrel during the fourth quarter of 2026.

The agency linked its forecast partly to Middle Eastern supply disruptions and declining global petroleum inventories.

EIA also expects oil production and exports from the region to gradually recover as shipping conditions improve.

However, the timing and extent of that recovery remain uncertain.

Because crude oil is a major input in diesel production, continued supply disruptions may affect fuel costs for the trucking industry.

Tight Diesel Inventories Add Pressure to Fuel Markets

In addition to crude oil prices, EIA identified tight distillate fuel supplies as another concern.

Distillate fuels include diesel and heating oil.

According to EIA, East Coast distillate inventories were 32% below their five-year seasonal average in September.

The agency expects inventories to remain between 20% and 30% below average throughout the winter.

Lower inventories can make fuel markets more sensitive to unexpected increases in demand or supply interruptions.

Winter heating demand may also influence distillate markets, particularly in the Northeast.

These conditions could limit how quickly diesel prices decline, even if crude oil markets begin to stabilize.

What the Two-Week Diesel Price Drop Means for Truck Drivers

The recent 33-cent decline could provide some relief to owner-operators and trucking companies that purchase large amounts of diesel.

For example, a truck purchasing 150 gallons of diesel at the October 5 national average would pay approximately $49.50 less than at the September 21 average.

However, that same 150-gallon purchase would still cost approximately $373.20 more than it would have at the national average one year earlier.

These examples illustrate how recent reductions may lower operating expenses without fully offsetting earlier increases.

Actual fuel costs depend on location, purchasing arrangements, and the amount of diesel consumed.

Fuel surcharges may help some carriers recover a portion of higher expenses, but their effectiveness depends on individual contracts and payment structures.

For owner-operators, fuel remains a major operating expense. Higher diesel prices may reduce profitability when freight rates do not increase enough to cover additional costs.

Diesel Prices Show Relief, but Costs Remain Elevated

The latest EIA data shows a clear change from the rising diesel prices reported in September.

The national average has fallen 33 cents per gallon over two weeks, with declines recorded across every major U.S. region.

However, diesel remains above $6 per gallon nationally and nearly $2.50 more expensive than a year earlier.

EIA expects prices to remain elevated during October, although the agency projects a gradual decline if global supply conditions improve.

For the trucking industry, the recent decreases may provide some short-term relief. However, fuel expenses remain significantly higher than in previous years.