Diesel Prices Down as Markets Continue to Ease in Mid-December

Diesel Prices and Gasoline Update for Mid-December 2025

Diesel Prices moved down again this week as retail fuel markets continued to adjust. The national average retail price for on-highway diesel fell to about $3.61 per gallon for the week ending December 15, 2025. At the same time, the national average for regular gasoline was around $2.90 per gallon. These shifts reflect a broader trend of easing pump prices as crude oil costs have softened and fuel supplies remain steady.

Even small changes at the pump matter for truck drivers and fleets, as fuel is one of the highest operating costs. By region, prices show a wide range, with some areas still much higher than others.

Diesel Prices Slide Again This Week

Diesel Prices continued their downward move this week. The national average of $3.61 per gallon is about 6 cents lower than the prior week’s average of roughly $3.67 per gallon. Diesel remains above where it was a year ago, but the recent declines give fleets a bit of relief during the busy winter season.

At the same time, gasoline prices pulled back further. The U.S. average of $2.90 per gallon is down several cents from the previous week and from early December levels.

Gasoline Prices Also Decline

Gasoline prices followed the same trend. The national average for regular gasoline fell again this week. Many regions are now below the $3 mark. Some areas are even lower because of strong supply and slower seasonal demand.

However, gasoline prices still vary between regions. Taxes, fuel blends, and transport distance all play a role. Even so, the general trend shows steady declines for drivers heading into the end of the year.

Diesel Prices by Region

Diesel and gasoline prices vary widely across different parts of the United States. These differences reflect regional taxes, fuel blends, refinery locations, and delivery costs.

• East Coast (PADD 1) $3.70 per gallon
• New England (PADD 1A) $4.06 per gallon
• Central Atlantic (PADD 1B) $3.94 per gallon
• Lower Atlantic (PADD 1C) $3.58 per gallon
• Midwest (PADD 2) $3.57 per gallon
• Gulf Coast (PADD 3) $3.27 per gallon
• Rocky Mountain (PADD 4) $3.39 per gallon
• West Coast (PADD 5) $4.29 per gallon
• West Coast Less California $3.87 per gallon
• California $4.78 per gallon

Diesel Prices on the West Coast, particularly in California, remain well above the national average. This is partly due to stricter fuel rules and higher state taxes that tend to raise retail prices. In contrast, the Gulf Coast region continues to report some of the lowest diesel and gasoline prices, thanks to strong refining capacity and short transport routes.

Supply Patterns and Market Influence

Fuel price movements reflect current refinery output and crude oil market conditions. U.S. refineries operated at high utilization rates, keeping diesel and gasoline supplies balanced. When supply is steady and demand is moderate, prices at the pump tend to soften rather than spike sharply.

Distillate fuel stocks — which include diesel — have been stable in recent weeks, helping prevent rapid price increases. Meanwhile, gasoline demand has eased slightly with cooler weather and seasonal travel slowing after Thanksgiving.

Crude oil prices also play a role. When crude benchmarks weaken, refining costs can fall, which often leads to lower retail prices over time. Softer crude during early December contributed to the recent declines in both gasoline and diesel prices.

What Truck Drivers Can Expect from Diesel Prices

For truck drivers and fleets, a decrease in diesel prices is generally positive news for fuel budgets. Even a small drop of a few cents per gallon can add up when buying large volumes of fuel.

Prices could continue to edge lower if crude stays soft and refinery output stays strong. However, unexpected supply disruptions, winter storms, or global market shifts could still push prices up in the short term.

For now, the latest data shows a mild but steady decline in retail fuel costs as the country moves deeper into the winter season.