U.S. Diesel Prices Drop in the First Week of December

Diesel Prices Drop as Fuel Supplies Rise Across the U.S.

The diesel price moved down last week, giving truck drivers a small break at the pump. The new data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows the national average at $3.758 per gallon as of December 1. This is about seven cents lower than the week before, when the average was $3.831. Even with the drop, diesel prices remain higher than last year by about twenty cents.

National Diesel Price Shows a Weekly Decline

The latest report shows a clear pullback in the national average. Diesel prices fell across most regions as inventories grew. Distillate fuel stocks, which include diesel, rose by a little more than 2 million barrels during the week ending November 28. Higher supply often helps bring prices down, and that appears to be the case here.

Truck drivers may also notice that diesel prices still sit above last year’s levels. In late 2024, prices were near $3.54 per gallon, so today’s pump prices are still higher, even with this recent drop.

Regional Diesel Prices Shift Across the Country

Diesel prices changed in different ways depending on the region, but most areas saw a small decline.
On the East Coast, it dropped, with the Lower Atlantic seeing the biggest fall. New England prices also slipped, even though that region remains one of the most expensive places to buy diesel.

In the Midwest, the diesel price moved down as well. The same trend showed up in the Rocky Mountain region.
The Gulf Coast still has the lowest prices in the country, and they also dipped last week.
The West Coast saw a decline, too, but it continues to hold the highest, especially in areas with stricter fuel rules.

These regional changes matter for truck drivers planning long routes. Fuel costs shift quickly when crossing state lines, and even small price swings can change total trip expenses.

What These Diesel Prices Mean for Truck Drivers

Lower diesel prices can help reduce operating costs, even if only for a short time. Many fleets and owner-operators use fuel surcharges to manage these changes, but direct pump prices still influence overall spending. When prices fall, it can ease pressure during busy months, especially for long-haul drivers.

However, the year-over-year increase shows that diesel remains costly compared to 2024. That means budgeting stays important. Fuel makes up one of the largest expenses in trucking, and small trends can add up fast.

What To Watch in Next Week’s Diesel Prices

The next weekly update from EIA will show if this downward trend continues. The diesel price could drop again if supplies stay strong and crude oil prices stay steady. But global events, weather, or refinery issues can still push prices higher without warning.

Truck drivers who follow diesel prices from week to week can better plan routes, choose fuel stops, and manage costs in a changing market.

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