Diesel Prices Drop 16.5 Cents but Remain Above $6 Nationwide

Diesel prices across the United States declined for the third consecutive week, offering some relief to commercial truck drivers and motor carriers facing high fuel costs. However, the national average remains above $6 per gallon and significantly higher than a year ago.

According to the latest weekly report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the national average price for on-highway diesel fell to $6.127 per gallon on November 9, 2026. That represents a decrease of 16.5 cents from the previous week’s average of $6.292.

Diesel prices declined in every region tracked by the EIA, with the Rocky Mountain region recording the largest weekly decrease. Despite these reductions, diesel remains $2.290 per gallon more expensive than during the same period in 2025.

National Diesel Prices Continue to Decline

The latest EIA figures show that diesel prices have fallen steadily since late October. The national average stood at $6.352 per gallon on October 26 before declining to $6.292 on November 2. The latest reading of $6.127 represents a total decrease of 22.5 cents per gallon over two weeks.

Key findings from the November 9 report include:

• National average: $6.127 per gallon, down 16.5 cents from the previous week.
• Year-over-year comparison: Diesel costs $2.290 more per gallon than one year ago.
• Two-year comparison: Prices are $2.606 higher per gallon than during the same period in 2024.
• Largest weekly decline: The Rocky Mountain region recorded a 23.9-cent decrease.
• Highest diesel prices: California averaged $7.897 per gallon.
• Lowest regional average: The Lower Atlantic region recorded $5.694 per gallon.

Although the latest declines have reduced fuel expenses compared with late October, diesel prices remain elevated across the country.

Diesel Prices Fall Across All U.S. Regions

Every region included in the EIA’s weekly diesel survey reported lower prices compared with November 2.

The latest regional averages and weekly changes are:

• East Coast: $5.920 per gallon, down 10.5 cents.
• New England: $6.349 per gallon, down 6.7 cents.
• Central Atlantic: $6.412 per gallon, down 7.4 cents.
• Lower Atlantic: $5.694 per gallon, down 12.0 cents.
• Midwest: $6.201 per gallon, down 20.1 cents.
• Gulf Coast: $5.741 per gallon, down 17.1 cents.
• Rocky Mountain: $6.206 per gallon, down 23.9 cents.
• West Coast: $7.110 per gallon, down 16.2 cents.
• West Coast excluding California: $6.429 per gallon, down 14.6 cents.
• California: $7.897 per gallon, down 17.9 cents.

The Rocky Mountain region experienced the largest weekly decline, followed by the Midwest and California. Meanwhile, New England recorded the smallest decrease at 6.7 cents per gallon. The Lower Atlantic and Gulf Coast regions remained the only major EIA regions with average diesel prices below $5.75 per gallon.

California Diesel Prices Remain the Highest

California continued to report the highest diesel prices in the country, despite a notable weekly decline. The state’s average fell from $8.076 to $7.897 per gallon, a decrease of 17.9 cents. However, California diesel remains $2.909 per gallon more expensive than one year ago and $3.231 higher than two years ago.

Across the broader West Coast region, the average diesel price declined to $7.110 per gallon. Excluding California, the regional average stood at $6.429. The difference between California and other parts of the country remains substantial. Compared with the national average of $6.127, California diesel costs approximately $1.77 more per gallon.

For trucking companies operating in California, the higher regional fuel costs continue to create additional expenses compared with operations in lower-priced regions.

Midwest and Rocky Mountain Regions See Larger Declines

The Midwest and Rocky Mountain regions experienced some of the most significant weekly diesel price reductions. In the Midwest, the average price fell by 20.1 cents, from $6.402 to $6.201 per gallon. The Rocky Mountain region recorded an even larger decline of 23.9 cents, bringing its average to $6.206 per gallon.

Despite these decreases, both regions remain above the national average. Compared with the same period last year, diesel prices are $2.310 higher in the Midwest and $2.403 higher in the Rocky Mountain region.

The latest figures indicate that fuel prices are moving lower across these areas, although the reductions have not erased the substantial increases recorded over the past year.

What Lower Diesel Prices Mean for Truck Drivers

Diesel remains one of the largest operating expenses for commercial trucking companies and independent owner-operators. The latest 16.5-cent national decline can produce measurable savings for trucks purchasing large quantities of fuel. For example, a truck purchasing 150 gallons of diesel at the national average would pay approximately $919.05, compared with $943.80 at the previous week’s average. That represents a difference of $24.75 for the same amount of fuel.

However, the year-over-year comparison shows that fuel costs remain considerably higher. At the current national average, purchasing 150 gallons costs approximately $343.50 more than it would have at the average price reported one year earlier. These comparisons illustrate how weekly price reductions can provide short-term relief while overall fuel expenses remain elevated. Actual fuel costs vary depending on location, fuel purchasing agreements, fuel taxes, and available discounts.

Gasoline Prices Also Decline Nationwide

The EIA report also showed a decrease in regular gasoline prices during the same reporting period. The national average gasoline price fell to $3.995 per gallon on November 9, down 15.8 cents from $4.153 the previous week. This marked a return below $4 per gallon for the national average.

Regional gasoline prices also declined, with the Rocky Mountain region recording the largest weekly decrease of 26.7 cents. Despite the latest reduction, regular gasoline remains 93.9 cents per gallon more expensive than one year ago. The difference between gasoline and diesel prices remains significant. At the national level, diesel costs approximately $2.13 more per gallon than regular gasoline.

While gasoline prices are more directly relevant to passenger vehicles and gasoline-powered commercial fleets, the figures provide additional context for broader transportation fuel costs.