Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Diesel Forecast to Average $3.76 in 2014

A new forecast is calling for lower fuel prices, due in large part to lower prices for crude oil.

Evan Lockridge
Evan LockridgeFormer Business Contributing Editor
October 10, 2013
Diesel Forecast to Average $3.76 in 2014

Credit: DOE/EIA

2 min to read


A new forecast is calling for lower fuel prices, due in large part to lower prices for crude oil.

Ad Loading...
Credit: DOE/EIA

The U.S. Energy Department’s Energy Information Administration’s new Short-Term Energy Outlook projects diesel, which averaged $3.97 per gallon in 2012, will average $3.93 per gallon this year and $3.76 per gallon in 2014. The new forecast is three cents lower for 2013 and six cents lower for next year, compared to the previous prediction.

Ad Loading...

EIA’s forecast for regular gasoline is an average of $3.34 per gallon in the fourth quarter of 2013. The annual average regular gasoline retail price, which was $3.63 per gallon in 2012, is expected to be $3.52 per gallon in 2013 and $3.40 per gallon in 2014.

Part of this is due to the expectation of lower crude oil prices. Brent crude oil spot prices have fallen from a recent peak of $117 per barrel in early September to $108 per barrel at the end of the month, as some crude oil production restarted in Libya and concerns over the conflict in Syria moderated.

EIA expects the Brent crude oil prices to continue to weaken, averaging $107 per barrel during the fourth quarter of 2013 and $102 per barrel in 2014.

Projected West Texas Intermediate crude oil prices should average $101 per barrel during the fourth quarter of 2013 and $96 per barrel during 2014.

Global consumption is expected to grow by 1 million barrels per day in 2013 and by another 1.2 million barrels per day in 2014, with China, the Middle East, Central & South America, accounting for much of the consumption growth.

Ad Loading...

Despite the increase in demand, this is expected to result in less demand for crude from OPEC member nations while non-OPEC supply growth is North America is expected to increase by 1.4 million barrels per day and 1.1 million barrels per day in 2013 and 2014, respectively, due to continued production increases in U.S. onshore tight oil formations and from Canadian oil sands.

More Drivers

Female truck driver.
Driversby News/Media ReleaseApril 21, 2026

WIM, Trucker Path Name Top 3 Women-Friendly Truck Stops

ATA’s Women In Motion Council and Trucker Path highlight three truck stops that meet all seven safety-focused criteria and rank highest among female drivers.

Read More →
Illustration of driver medical exam paperwork over duotone background of a blood pressure check

FMCSA Extends Paper Medical Card Exemption … Again

Five states still aren't ready to accept commercial driver medical exam information directly from the medical examiner's registry.

Read More →
Mack Pioneer tractor.
Driversby Jack RobertsApril 10, 2026

Mack Launches Digital Driver Guide for Chassis-Specific Truck Info

Mack’s new, virtual owner’s manual delivers VIN-based, on-demand guidance for vehicle systems via web, app, and soon in-cab displays.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Close-up of Western Star truck logo with red star emblem on chrome grille, representing the brand’s identity in the trucking industry.
Driversby News/Media ReleaseApril 6, 2026

Western Star Showcases Truckers' Pride and Skill

Western Star is expanding its Star Nation Experience in 2026, adding new competitions and dealer participation to highlight operator skills and promote careers in trucking.

Read More →
Photo of truck driver at podium holding award
Driversby News/Media ReleaseMarch 27, 2026

Best Fleets to Drive For: Two Carriers Earn Overall Award for First Time

CarriersEdge announced the 2026 Best Fleets to Drive For overall winners, with Crawford Trucking, Fortigo Freight Services, and FTC Transportation receiving top awards.

Read More →
Illustration of Department of Labor building, diesel technician at a computer, and driver training semi trailer
Driversby Deborah LockridgeMarch 10, 2026

Federal Proposal Would Allow Pell Grants for Shorter-Term Job Training

The Department of Labor plans to expand Pell Grant eligibility to some shorter workforce training programs, a move the American Trucking Associations said will help strengthen commercial driver training schools and diesel technician training programs.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Illustration of truck owner operator and magnifying glass with the word "regulations"
Driversby Deborah LockridgeFebruary 26, 2026

Owner-Operator Model Gets Boost as DOL Proposes 2024 Independent Contractor Definition Reversal

For an industry that has watched this issue go back and forth for years, the independent contractor proposal marks the latest swing in the regulatory pendulum.

Read More →
 Truck with door open and enforcement officer talking to driver about ELD
DriversFebruary 26, 2026

FMCSA Reinstates Field Warrior ELD to Registered Device List

One electronic logging device has been reinstated to the FMCSA's list of registered ELDs.

Read More →
Photo of truck driver in yellow safety vest walking alongside tractor-trailer
Driversby Deborah LockridgeFebruary 25, 2026

How One Company is Using Smart Suspension Technology to Reduce Driver Injuries and Improve Retention

America’s Service Line adopted Link’s SmartValve and ROI Cabmate systems to address whole-body vibration, repetitive strain, and driver turnover. The trucking fleet is already seeing measurable results.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Illustration with photos from some of the 2026 Best Fleets to Drive For honorees
Driversby News/Media ReleaseFebruary 24, 2026

CarriersEdge Announces 2026 Best Fleets to Drive For

The 18th annual contest recognizing the best workplaces for truck drivers sees changes to Top 20, Hall of Fame

Read More →