Diesel Prices Drop in All Regions Last Week

Diesel Prices Down in All Regions This Week

Diesel prices moved lower across the United States, providing some relief for truck drivers and motor carriers. According to the latest data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the national average price for on-highway diesel fuel fell 17.3 cents to $5.350 per gallon on June 1.

The decline marked another week of lower fuel costs, with every major region reporting a decrease compared to the previous week.

Diesel Prices Fall Nationwide

The national average dropped from $5.523 per gallon on May 25 to $5.350 per gallon on June 1.

The Midwest posted the largest weekly decline, with diesel prices falling 23.1 cents to $5.392 per gallon. The Lower Atlantic region followed with a drop of 18.5 cents, bringing the average price there to $5.016 per gallon.

Other notable declines included the Rocky Mountain region, where prices fell 16.2 cents to $5.331 per gallon, and the East Coast, where the average dropped 15.7 cents to $5.237 per gallon.

Gulf Coast Remains Lowest-Cost Region

The Gulf Coast continued to report the lowest diesel prices in the country.

Drivers in the region paid an average of $4.900 per gallon, down 14.5 cents from the previous week. The Gulf Coast was the only major region with an average price below $5.00 per gallon.

Lower fuel costs in the region can be important for carriers operating major freight corridors that connect Texas and other Gulf Coast states with the rest of the country.

California Continues to Lead the Nation

California remained the most expensive market for diesel fuel.

The state’s average diesel price fell 13.1 cents during the week but remained at $7.051 per gallon. That was more than $1.70 higher than the national average.

Across the broader West Coast region, diesel prices averaged $6.398 per gallon, down 10.2 cents from the previous week. Excluding California, the regional average stood at $5.832 per gallon.

Diesel Prices Remain Well Above Last Year

Although diesel prices declined this week, they remain significantly higher than year-ago levels.

The national average is currently $1.899 per gallon higher than it was one year ago and $1.624 higher than two years ago.

Regional comparisons show a similar trend. California’s diesel prices are $2.283 per gallon above year-ago levels, while the Midwest average is $2.004 higher than a year ago.

These figures highlight how fuel costs continue to affect trucking operations despite recent weekly declines.

Crude Oil Costs Continue to Influence Fuel Markets

Recent EIA data show crude oil prices remain elevated compared to previous periods.

The average domestic crude oil first purchase price increased 41.2% to $88.15 per barrel. The average cost of imported crude oil also increased, while refiners reported paying more for both domestic and foreign crude supplies.

Because crude oil is the primary component used to produce diesel fuel, higher oil costs can continue to influence fuel prices. However, regional supply conditions, refinery activity, and transportation demand also play a role in determining weekly diesel price movements.