Diesel Prices Reach Highest Level in Nearly Two Years

Diesel Prices Rise for Third Straight Week as National Average Tops $5.31

Diesel Prices continue climbing nationwide

Diesel Prices moved higher again last week, adding another 17.9 cents per gallon nationwide, according to the latest data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). The national average for on-highway diesel reached $5.313 per gallon for the week of July 27, marking the third consecutive weekly increase.

The latest increase follows a 33.8-cent jump the previous week. Over the past two weeks alone, the national average has climbed 51.7 cents per gallon, adding significant fuel costs for trucking companies and owner-operators.

Although oil prices have recently begun easing on hopes of lower geopolitical tensions, retail diesel prices have not yet followed because pump prices typically respond with a delay after changes in crude oil markets. Refining costs, inventories, and transportation expenses also continue to influence diesel prices.

National diesel average reaches $5.313 per gallon

The EIA reported the following national diesel prices:

• July 13: $4.796 per gallon
• July 20: $5.134 per gallon
• July 27: $5.313 per gallon

The latest average is:

• 17.9 cents higher than last week.
• $1.508 higher than one year ago.
• $1.545 higher than two years ago.

Diesel remains one of the largest operating expenses for fleets and independent truck drivers. Even relatively small weekly increases can have a noticeable impact on operating costs, especially for trucks covering thousands of miles each week.

Most regions posted increases of 20 cents or more

Diesel prices increased across every major region of the country.

The Central Atlantic region recorded one of the largest weekly gains, rising 20.9 cents to $5.579 per gallon.

The Midwest also increased 20.8 cents, bringing its average to $5.196 per gallon.

The Rocky Mountain region climbed 20.6 cents to $5.141 per gallon.

Other regional averages included:

• East Coast: $5.354 (+16.0 cents)
• New England: $5.518 (+11.9 cents)
• Lower Atlantic: $5.255 (+14.8 cents)
• Gulf Coast: $5.087 (+14.5 cents)
• West Coast: $6.067 (+19.0 cents)

California continued to report the nation’s highest diesel prices, averaging $6.670 per gallon, up another 19.9 cents from the previous week.

Gas prices also continued moving higher

Gasoline prices also increased nationwide, although not as sharply as diesel.

The national average for regular gasoline reached $4.096 per gallon, up 9.5 cents from the previous week.

Regional gasoline averages included:

• East Coast: $3.997
• Midwest: $3.882
• Gulf Coast: $3.690
• Rocky Mountain: $4.083
• West Coast: $5.117
• California-adjusted West Coast average: $4.662

While gasoline prices are important for the broader economy, diesel prices remain the primary fuel cost affecting commercial trucking operations.

Global market conditions continue influencing Diesel Prices

Fuel markets have remained volatile throughout 2026 because of ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, refinery disruptions, and changes in global petroleum product flows.

Although crude oil prices have fallen in recent days amid renewed diplomatic efforts involving Iran, diesel markets often react more slowly than crude markets. Refined fuel supplies, refinery utilization, and transportation logistics continue to keep diesel prices elevated.

Earlier this month, the EIA said it expects global oil production to improve over the remainder of the year as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz gradually recovers. The agency forecasts that increasing global supply should eventually place downward pressure on crude oil and gasoline prices, although diesel prices may remain relatively elevated while inventories rebuild.

What higher Diesel Prices mean for trucking

For many trucking businesses, fuel remains one of the largest variable operating expenses. A national diesel average above $5.31 per gallon increases the importance of fuel surcharge programs, route planning, and fuel purchasing strategies.

Carriers with contracts that include fuel surcharge adjustments may recover part of the additional expense, while many owner-operators working in the spot market may feel the impact more directly depending on freight rates.

With diesel prices now more than 50 cents higher than they were just two weeks ago, fuel costs continue to be a major factor affecting trucking profitability as the industry moves through the second half of 2026.