Diesel Prices Rise Nearly 10 Cents as California Tops $8

Diesel Prices increased across every major U.S. region during the latest reporting week, reversing much of the relief truck drivers received earlier in October. The national average climbed 9.7 cents to $6.276 per gallon, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

The increase comes after two consecutive weekly declines. Diesel had fallen to $6.179 per gallon on October 12, its lowest level since early September. However, the latest increase pushed the national average back above $6.25.

California continued to have the highest diesel prices in the country, with the statewide average reaching $8.242 per gallon. Meanwhile, regular gasoline prices moved in the opposite direction, declining nationwide.

The latest figures were published October 20 and reflect fuel prices for the week of October 19.

Diesel Prices Reverse Two Weeks of Declines

The national diesel average increased by nearly 10 cents after falling during the previous two reporting weeks.

EIA figures show the following changes:

• September 28: $6.382 per gallon
• October 5: $6.199 per gallon
• October 12: $6.179 per gallon
• October 19: $6.276 per gallon

Between September 28 and October 12, diesel prices dropped 20.3 cents per gallon. The latest increase erased nearly half of that decline.

Despite the recent fluctuations, diesel remains substantially more expensive than it was in previous years.

The October 19 national average was $2.656 higher than the same period in 2025 and $2.723 higher than two years earlier.

For trucking companies and owner-operators, these differences represent a significant increase in operating expenses compared with previous years.

Diesel Prices Increase Across Every U.S. Region

Every major region tracked by EIA reported higher diesel prices during the latest week.

The West Coast recorded the largest increase among the five major petroleum regions, while the Rocky Mountain region also experienced a notable jump.

Regional diesel prices for October 19 were:

• East Coast: $5.984 per gallon, up 7.6 cents.
• Midwest: $6.352 per gallon, up 9.3 cents.
• Gulf Coast: $5.903 per gallon, up 9.4 cents.
• Rocky Mountain: $6.422 per gallon, up 12 cents.
• West Coast: $7.394 per gallon, up 15.4 cents.

The Gulf Coast remained the least expensive major region, although its average was still approaching $6 per gallon. The East Coast was the only other major region with an average below $6. The regional figures show that the latest increase was widespread rather than limited to one part of the country.

California Diesel Prices Reach $8.242 Per Gallon

California remained the most expensive state in EIA’s diesel price report. The state’s average increased 15.1 cents, from $8.091 on October 12 to $8.242 on October 19. California diesel was also $3.344 more expensive than a year earlier. The difference between California and the national average reached nearly $1.97 per gallon. Other parts of the West Coast also experienced substantial increases.

Excluding California, the West Coast average rose 15.6 cents to $6.659 per gallon. Within the East Coast region, New England averaged $6.470, while the Central Atlantic reached $6.508. The Lower Atlantic remained considerably less expensive at $5.740 per gallon, despite increasing 9.5 cents during the week. These regional differences can significantly affect fuel expenses for carriers operating across multiple states.

Higher Diesel Prices Add to Trucking Operating Costs

Fuel remains one of the largest operating expenses for commercial trucking operations. Even relatively small changes in diesel prices can have a noticeable effect on weekly expenses, especially for trucks traveling thousands of miles. For example, a truck purchasing 150 gallons of diesel would pay approximately $14.55 more at the October 19 national average than at the previous week’s price. For a truck purchasing 1,000 gallons over a week, the 9.7-cent increase would represent an additional $97 in fuel expenses. These examples reflect only the change in the national average price. Actual costs vary by location, fuel purchases, and any discounts available to a carrier.

Higher fuel costs can be particularly challenging for owner-operators and smaller trucking businesses operating with limited margins. Some carriers use fuel surcharge agreements to recover a portion of their expenses. However, the amount recovered depends on individual contracts and freight arrangements.

Gasoline Prices Fall While Diesel Prices Rise

While diesel prices increased, regular gasoline prices continued declining. The national average for regular gasoline fell 4.7 cents to $4.284 per gallon on October 19. Gasoline prices had also declined during the previous two weeks, falling from $4.465 on September 28. The latest figures show a growing difference between gasoline and diesel prices.

Diesel averaged approximately $1.99 more per gallon than regular gasoline nationwide. The contrast was also visible on the West Coast, where gasoline prices fell 8.2 cents while diesel increased 15.4 cents.

Diesel and gasoline prices do not always move together. Differences in refining costs, inventories, distribution, and demand can cause the two fuels to follow separate pricing trends. The latest EIA report documents these opposing movements but does not identify a single cause for the week’s diesel increase.

What Comes Next for Diesel Prices?

The October 20 report shows that the recent decline in diesel prices has stalled, at least temporarily.

Although the national average remains below its September 28 level, diesel is once again increasing across the country.

The largest weekly increases occurred in the West Coast and Rocky Mountain regions, while California’s average moved further above $8 per gallon.

For the trucking industry, the latest increase adds pressure to fuel budgets after a brief period of declining prices.