Diesel Prices Rise Slightly in the Latest EIA Report

Diesel Prices: Weekly Fuel Market Overview

Diesel Prices Increase Slightly as Inventories Decline and Refinery Activity Rises

Diesel prices moved higher again last week, continuing a gradual upward trend across the U.S. fuel market. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the national average price for on-highway diesel reached $3.724 per gallon for the week ending Feb. 16, 2026, rising from $3.688 the previous week.

The increase of 3.6 cents reflects tightening distillate inventories and ongoing market adjustments as refinery activity and fuel demand shift during the winter season.

Diesel Prices Show a Gradual Upward Momentum

Recent weekly data highlights a slow but consistent rise in diesel prices:

• Jan. 26, 2026: $3.624
• Feb. 2, 2026: $3.681
• Feb. 9, 2026: $3.688
• Feb. 16, 2026: $3.724

The latest gain represents the largest weekly increase so far this month, reinforcing a slow upward pattern after January lows.

While diesel prices remain below year-ago levels, inventory declines and supply dynamics have supported recent increases. The EIA notes that diesel prices often track crude oil markets and supply levels, meaning even small inventory shifts can influence weekly retail pricing.

Regional Diesel Prices Show Ongoing Disparities

Regional fuel costs continued to vary widely across the country.

East Coast

Diesel averaged about $3.80 per gallon, slightly above the national average.

Midwest

Prices remained near the mid-$3.60 range, supported by strong refinery access and lower transportation costs.

Gulf Coast

The Gulf Coast continued to report the lowest prices at roughly $3.40 per gallon, reflecting proximity to refining hubs.

Rocky Mountain

Diesel price held in the mid-$3.50 range, influenced by regional distribution logistics.

West Coast

The West Coast remained the most expensive region, with diesel averaging around $4.40 per gallon, driven by stricter fuel standards and higher production costs.

Gasoline Prices Also Move Higher

Gasoline prices increased alongside diesel last week. The national average price for regular gasoline reached about $2.94 per gallon, up from the prior week, according to the EIA fuel update. Regional gasoline trends mirrored those of diesel, with the lowest prices reported in Gulf Coast states and the highest on the West Coast.

Weekly Petroleum Report Highlights Supply Pressures

The EIA Weekly Petroleum Status Report pointed to several market factors affecting fuel prices:

• Distillate inventories declined
• Gasoline stocks also fell
• Refinery utilization increased
• Crude oil supply levels shifted modestly

Lower inventories typically create upward pressure on diesel prices because tighter supply can influence wholesale and retail fuel markets.

Market Outlook for Diesel Prices

The latest weekly data suggests prices remain stable but sensitive to supply changes and seasonal demand.

Key market drivers moving forward include:

• Distillate inventory levels
• Refinery maintenance cycles
• Crude oil price movement
• Freight demand patterns
• Seasonal heating fuel demand

Because diesel fuel is essential for freight transportation, price fluctuations can influence fuel surcharges and operating costs across the trucking sector.

Bottom Line

Diesel prices rose to $3.724 per gallon for the week ending Feb. 16, marking a noticeable weekly increase and extending February’s upward trend. Regional price differences persisted, with the West Coast remaining the highest-cost market and the Gulf Coast the lowest. Gasoline prices also increased, while declining fuel inventories helped support recent fuel price movement.