Diesel Prices Show Better Trend Across the US

Diesel Prices Ease Again, But Fuel Costs Remain High Nationwide

Diesel prices moved lower again this week, giving truck drivers and fleets a small break at the pump. However, fuel costs remain well above where they stood a year ago, and diesel prices are still historically high in many parts of the country.

According to the latest weekly update from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the national average price for on-highway diesel fell to $5.351 per gallon on April 27. That is down 5.2 cents from the previous week’s average of $5.403. Even with the weekly drop, diesel remains $1.837 higher than the same time last year.

Diesel Prices Fall in Most Regions

Most major fuel regions posted lower diesel prices during the week.

The West Coast saw one of the largest declines, with diesel falling 9 cents to $6.530 per gallon. Diesel in California dropped even more, down 9.7 cents to $7.228 per gallon, which remains the highest average diesel price in the nation.

The Central Atlantic region also posted a notable decline, falling 8.1 cents to $5.843 per gallon. Meanwhile, the Gulf Coast, often one of the lowest-cost diesel markets, fell 5.7 cents to $5.012 per gallon.

The only region to post an increase was the Rocky Mountain area, where diesel rose 5.7 cents to $5.270 per gallon.

National Diesel Prices Still Above $5 Per Gallon

Even with recent declines, diesel remains expensive across the country.

Every major region is still averaging above $5 per gallon, except for none, meaning all key freight corridors continue to face elevated fuel costs. California remains well above national levels, while the West Coast overall continues to carry the highest regional diesel averages.

For trucking companies, fuel remains one of the highest operating costs. Small weekly drops can help margins, especially for owner-operators and small fleets, but current diesel prices are still putting pressure on freight businesses.

Gasoline Moves Higher While Diesel Falls

While diesel moved lower, gasoline prices moved in the opposite direction.

The national average for regular gasoline rose 7.9 cents to $4.123 per gallon. That increase came after several weeks of softer gasoline prices and may point to renewed pressure in broader fuel markets.

This split between diesel and gasoline is worth watching because both are affected by crude oil prices, refinery output, and supply concerns.

Oil Markets Still Creating Uncertainty

Diesel prices are moving lower now, but uncertainty remains in global energy markets.

Recent tensions involving Iran pushed crude oil above $100 per barrel, raising concerns about supply disruptions and future fuel spikes. That surge in oil prices created fresh worries for transportation markets, since diesel prices often react quickly to global crude changes.

While diesel has eased in recent weeks, those lower prices could be temporary if oil markets tighten again.

For now, truck drivers are seeing some relief at the pump, but fuel costs remain one of the biggest issues facing the trucking industry in 2026.