Latest Diesel Prices: Down Average of 6 Cents per Gallon

Diesel Prices Dip Slightly Nationwide as of April 15, 2025

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that the national average for on-highway diesel fuel dropped to $3.579 per gallon for the week ending April 14, 2025. This marks a decrease of $0.06 from the previous week’s diesel prices and a decline of $0.436 compared to the same week last year.

Diesel fuel remains a major operating cost for the trucking industry, and even small changes in price can significantly affect profit margins and freight rates across the country.

Regional Diesel Prices

As of the April 15 update, diesel prices varied by region:

• East Coast (PADD 1): $3.660 per gallon (down $0.053)
• Midwest (PADD 2): $3.510 per gallon (down $0.069)
• Gulf Coast (PADD 3): $3.267 per gallon (down $0.071)
• Rocky Mountain (PADD 4): $3.480 per gallon (down $0.019)
• West Coast (PADD 5): $4.281 per gallon (down $0.037)

California continues to report the highest diesel prices at $4.797 per gallon. In contrast, the Gulf Coast holds the lowest regional average at $3.267 per gallon. These regional differences continue to play a key role in route planning and fuel budgeting for long-haul drivers.

Implications for the Trucking Industry

The recent decline in diesel prices offers a bit of financial breathing room for commercial drivers and fleet operators. Fuel accounts for a substantial portion of trucking expenses, particularly for small carriers and owner-operators.

A drop in diesel prices can translate to lower operating costs and may help prevent rate increases on certain loads. However, the benefits vary depending on region. Truckers running Western routes, especially in California, are still dealing with significantly higher fuel costs compared to those operating in the Gulf Coast or Midwest.

Diesel Prices Compared to Previous Years

Looking back, diesel prices have come down notably from recent highs. In April 2023, the national average hovered near $4.02 per gallon, while April 2022 saw prices surpass $5.00 in many areas due to post-pandemic disruptions and global fuel supply issues.

The current average of $3.579 marks a steady downward trend, though still above pre-2020 levels when diesel often ranged between $2.90 and $3.10 per gallon.

How Diesel Prices Impact Owner-Operators vs. Large Fleets

The effect of diesel price changes is not evenly distributed across the industry.

Owner-operators, who often pay out of pocket for fuel and have limited options for hedging costs, are more vulnerable to price fluctuations. Many rely on fuel surcharge agreements to stay profitable, but those payments don’t always keep pace with rapid shifts in prices.

Large fleets, on the other hand, often negotiate bulk fuel rates or use purchasing power and fuel card discounts to soften the blow. They may also have more flexibility to adjust routes or shift freight between regions with more favorable fuel prices.

Fuel-Saving Tips for Truck Drivers

With diesel prices still high in some areas, many drivers are taking extra steps to save at the pump. Some effective fuel-saving practices include:

• Reducing idle time – excessive idling wastes fuel and money
• Using cruise control – if available, this can aid in maintaining steady speeds and can reduce fuel consumption
• Maintaining proper tire pressure – underinflated tires can increase drag
• Planning fuel stops strategically – prices can vary greatly between regions and even within cities
• Staying on top of maintenance – clean filters and regular oil changes help improve fuel efficiency

These strategies may seem small individually, but over time they can lead to meaningful savings, especially for those driving thousands of miles per week.

Diesel Alternatives and Long-Term Industry Trends

As diesel prices continue to fluctuate, interest in alternative fuels is growing. Some fleets are exploring compressed natural gas (CNG) or renewable diesel as ways to lower fuel costs and reduce emissions.

Electric trucks are also entering the market in limited numbers, primarily for regional or last-mile deliveries. While infrastructure challenges remain, the push toward alternative fuels is likely to continue—especially if diesel prices spike again in the future.

However, diesel remains the dominant fuel for long-haul trucking, and any transition to alternatives will take time.

Outlook for Diesel Prices in the Months Ahead

According to the EIA’s Short-Term Energy Outlook, global oil inventories are expected to increase later in 2025. If that forecast holds, diesel prices may see further gradual declines.

Still, fuel markets remain volatile and subject to global events, refinery disruptions, and seasonal demand.