Higher Diesel Prices Seen in the Latest EIA Data

Diesel Prices Rise Again as November Takes Hold

U.S. Retail Diesel Prices Move Higher

Retail diesel prices in the U.S. climbed to $3.868 per gallon for the week ending November 17, 2025. According to EIA‘s latest report, that is up from $3.837 in the prior week. Compared with a year ago, when diesel averaged about $3.521 per gallon, the increase amounts to nearly 10%.

What’s Behind the Rise in Diesel Prices

Several factors are helping push the diesel price up:

• Trucking and freight demand remain strong in many sectors, which increases on-highway fuel use.
• Global crude and distillate markets are tight, which has pushed diesel crack spreads to some of their highest levels since early 2024.
• U.S. output continues to grow, but refinery shifts and export activity can create local supply constraints, which in turn can raise retail prices.

Why This Matters for Truck Drivers

For truck drivers and fleets, the rise in retail diesel prices has direct effects:

• Fuel is one of the largest controllable cost items for over-the-road operations. Higher diesel prices raise per-mile operating costs.
• Even small weekly increases add up. A jump from $3.837 to $3.868 may seem minor, but with a truck running 2,500 miles a week at around 6 mpg, that small rise can add more than $10 in weekly fuel costs.
• Fleets may increase fuel surcharges or adjust freight choices to protect margins.

Regional Diesel Prices

Diesel Prices varied widely across the country in the latest update. The national average reached $3.868 per gallon. On the East Coast, prices averaged $3.856, with New England at $4.021, the Central Atlantic at $3.999, and the Lower Atlantic at $3.787. The Midwest posted an average of $3.913, while the Gulf Coast continued to report the lowest prices at $3.490. In the Rocky Mountain region, diesel averaged $3.813. The West Coast remained the highest-priced region at $4.559, including $4.180 in areas outside California and $4.996 within California.

Regional and Contract Impacts

Diesel prices vary from region to region. Because of this, many drivers see prices above or below the national average depending on where they fuel.
Contract freight rates may also lag changes in fuel prices. When diesel rises quickly, some drivers—especially owner-operators—may feel the pressure sooner if their fuel surcharge structure does not adjust fast enough.
Spot market drivers face immediate cost exposure, since they depend on weekly or daily rate movements.

Looking Ahead: What to Watch

Key trends to keep an eye on include:

• Weekly retail diesel averages continue to show upward movement.
• Refinery activity and export levels, which shape how much diesel stays in the U.S.
• Global distillate trends, since overseas supply issues can influence domestic diesel costs.
• Adjustments in contract fuel surcharge programs, especially for fleets with long-term agreements.

Summary

Diesel prices are rising again, with the U.S. average reaching $3.868 per gallon in mid-November. This marks nearly a 10% increase from last year. For commercial truck drivers and fleets, higher diesel prices mean higher operating costs. Watching weekly updates, regional differences, and how contracts adjust for fuel costs will be important as the year closes.