Latest Diesel Prices Remain High as Crude Oil Surges

Diesel Prices Hold Steady as Global Oil Concerns Continue

New data released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows that diesel prices across the United States remained mostly stable during the week ending May 11, 2026. However, fuel costs continue to stay near multi-year highs as global oil markets react to ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

The national average price for on-highway diesel fuel was $5.639 per gallon, nearly unchanged from the previous week. The average slipped by just one-tenth of a cent after large increases earlier this month.

Even with the slight weekly decrease, diesel prices remain $2.163 higher than the same week one year ago.

Middle East Conflict Continues to Affect Fuel Markets

Global oil prices continue rising as the conflict involving Iran disrupts oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil transportation routes.

According to the EIA, an estimated 10.5 million barrels per day of crude oil production from several Middle Eastern countries were recently shut in. The agency expects the Strait of Hormuz to remain effectively closed through late May before shipments gradually resume.

At the same time, Brent crude oil prices have surged sharply. Brent crude climbed above $107 per barrel this week after a fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran appeared increasingly unstable.

Before the conflict escalated, Brent crude traded near $70 per barrel.

Higher crude oil prices often lead directly to higher diesel prices because crude oil is the primary feedstock for diesel fuel.

Diesel Prices Remain a Major Concern for Trucking

Fuel remains one of the largest operating expenses for trucking companies and owner-operators.

Even though this week’s national diesel average showed little movement, carriers across the country are still paying significantly more for fuel compared to last year.

Higher fuel costs can affect freight rates, profit margins, and overall operating expenses throughout the trucking industry.

The latest EIA outlook says global oil inventories are expected to continue tightening during the second quarter of 2026, which could keep upward pressure on diesel prices in the near future.

Midwest Sees Largest Weekly Increase

Regional diesel prices moved in different directions during the latest reporting period.

The Midwest recorded the largest weekly increase, with diesel prices rising 7.3 cents to $5.815 per gallon.

The increase follows several weeks of rising fuel costs across central freight markets and gives the Midwest one of the highest diesel averages outside the West Coast.

East Coast and Gulf Coast Prices Decline

Some regions posted moderate weekly decreases.

On the East Coast, diesel prices fell 3.9 cents to $5.465 per gallon. The Lower Atlantic region recorded one of the biggest declines nationwide, dropping 5.3 cents to $5.278 per gallon.

The Gulf Coast average also declined by 2.6 cents to $5.152 per gallon.

Despite the decreases, diesel prices across both regions remain far above 2025 levels.

California Continues Leading the Nation in Diesel Prices

The West Coast remains the country’s most expensive diesel market.

Average diesel prices across the West Coast reached $6.562 per gallon. California continued posting the nation’s highest diesel average at $7.321 per gallon.

Outside California, West Coast diesel prices averaged $5.905 per gallon.

Regional fuel standards, taxes, and supply conditions continue contributing to higher fuel prices across western states.

Rising Oil Prices Also Impacting Financial Markets

The recent surge in oil prices is affecting more than fuel markets.

On May 12, rising crude oil prices and inflation concerns also pressured Wall Street markets. Brent crude climbed 3.4% as oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz remained heavily disrupted.

Analysts say higher oil prices are contributing to inflation concerns across the broader economy. Rising fuel costs can increase transportation expenses and place additional pressure on supply chains and freight movement.