Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Diesel Prices Expected to Jump 15% Next Year

A new government forecast is calling for double-digit gains in diesel prices next year, although gasoline is expected increase by only half as much.

Evan Lockridge
Evan LockridgeFormer Business Contributing Editor
July 12, 2016
Diesel Prices Expected to Jump 15% Next Year

 

2 min to read


A new government forecast is calling for double-digit gains in diesel prices next year, while gasoline is expected increase by only half as much.

The Energy Department’s latest monthly Short-Term Energy Outlook calls for trucking’s main fuel to average $2.71 per gallon in 2017, a 15.1% hike from this year’s forecast average of $2.36 per gallon.

Ad Loading...

If this happens it would return diesel to the average level seen in 2015. However, that's still far less than the $3.83 per gallon average in 2014 reached before fuel prices dropped due to falling crude oil prices stemming from overproduction and decreased worldwide demand.

The average cost of regular grade gasoline is expected to increase just 7.6% in 2017 to $2.28 per gallon, following an expected average this year of $2.12 per gallon. This compares to an average of $2.43 per gallon in 2015 and $3.36 in 2014.

In the nearer term, diesel is expected to increase in the third quarter of this year to an average of $2.48 per gallon following a second quarter average of $2.30 per gallon. It is forecast to continue slowly rising each consecutive quarter through 2017, when the average is expected to hit $2.87 per gallon.

In contrast, regular grade gasoline is expected to average $2.25 per gallon in the current quarter, the same at it was in the second quarter but up from $1.90 per gallon in the first quarter of 2016. It’s then projected to average a little above $2 per gallon in the fourth quarter of 2016 and the first quarter of 2017 before peaking next year at $2.39 in the third quarter.

Likely helping to push prices higher will be that U.S. crude oil production averaged 8.6 million barrels per day in June, slightly below the previous month’s level and well below the 9.7 million barrels per day reached in April 2015. Also worldwide crude inventory increases are expected to slow this year to a daily rate that’s a little less than half the pace seen in 2015. In 2017 it's projected to be just a fraction of what it was two years earlier.

More Fuel Smarts

A mechanic in a workshop leans over the open engine compartment of a large yellow vehicle, inspecting components while holding a tablet.
Sponsoredby Kristy CoffmanMarch 9, 2026

Smarter Maintenance Strategies to Keep Trucks Rolling

In today’s cost-conscious market, fleets are finding new ways to get more value from every truck on the road. See how smarter maintenance strategies can boost uptime, control costs and drive stronger long-term returns.

Read More →
Group of researchers and engineers standing next to an electric heavy-duty truck used in Purdue’s wireless charging project.
Fuel Smartsby News/Media ReleaseFebruary 3, 2026

Researchers Demonstrate Wireless Charging of Electric Heavy-Duty Truck at Highway Speeds

Purdue researchers demonstrated a high-power wireless charging system capable of delivering energy to electric heavy-duty trucks at highway speeds, advancing the concept of electrified roadways for freight transportation.

Read More →
Illustration showing diesel exhaust fluid pump sign and EPA headquarters
Equipmentby Deborah LockridgeFebruary 3, 2026

EPA Wants to Know: Are DEF De-Rates Really Needed for Diesel Emissions Compliance?

The Environmental Protection Agency is asking diesel engine makers to provide information about diesel exhaust fluid system failures as it considers changes to emissions regulations.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
SponsoredFebruary 1, 2026

Stop Watching Footage, Start Driving Results

6 intelligent dashcam tactics to improve safety and boost ROI

Read More →
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeJanuary 29, 2026

California: Clean Truck Check Rules Still in Force for Out-of-State Trucks, Despite EPA Disapproval

The Environmental Protection Agency said California can’t enforce its Heavy-Duty Inspection and Maintenance Regulation, known as Clean Truck Check, on vehicles registered outside the state. But California said it will keep enforcing the rule.

Read More →
Illustration of Department of Justice building superimposed by truck exhaust stacks
Fuel SmartsJanuary 27, 2026

Justice Department Pulls Back on Criminal Prosecution of Diesel Emissions Deletes

The Trump administration has announced it will no longer criminally prosecute “diesel delete” cases of truck owners altering emissions systems in violation of EPA regulations. What does that mean for heavy-duty fleets?

Read More →
Ad Loading...
HDT Spotlight video on natural gas truck engines.
Fuel Smartsby Jack RobertsJanuary 26, 2026

Why the Cummins X15N Changed the Conversation About Natural Gas Trucking

Natural gas is quietly building a reputation as a clean, affordable, and reliable alternative fuel for long-haul trucks. And Ian MacDonald with Hexagon Agility says the Cummins X15N is a big reason why.

Read More →
Blue Tesla Semi pulling flatbed trailer inside warehouse or manufacturing facility
Fuel Smartsby News/Media ReleaseJanuary 21, 2026

First Tesla Semi for RoadOne IntermodaLogistics

RoadOne IntermodaLogistics has bought a fully electric Tesla Semi heavy-duty truck, the first of up to 10 for its Oakland, California, operations.

Read More →
Mercedes-Benz eActros trucks.
Fuel Smartsby News/Media ReleaseJanuary 20, 2026

Mercedes-Benz Initiates Megawatt Charging and Long-Haul EV Truck Trials

Mercedes-Benz has begun a new series of tests in Europe to validate vehicle compatibility with megawatt chargers and assess charging performance, thermal management, and usability on long-haul duty routes.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Windrose-Greenlane truck charging bundle.
Fuel Smartsby News/Media ReleaseJanuary 20, 2026

Windrose Bundles Free EV Truck Charging with Greenlane Infrastructure

Windrose customers will receive unlimited charging for three months on Greenlane’s high-power charging network.

Read More →