Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Crude Oil, Fuel Prices on the Rise

U.S. diesel prices were up nearly 2 cents per gallon from a week ago and more than 6 cents per gallon compared to a year earlier, as crude oil prices rose to their highest since early July.

Deborah Lockridge
Deborah LockridgeEditor and Associate Publisher
Read Deborah's Posts
August 28, 2018
Crude Oil, Fuel Prices on the Rise

 

2 min to read


U.S. diesel prices were up nearly 2 cents per gallon from a week ago and more than 6 cents per gallon compared to a year earlier, as crude oil prices rose to their highest since early July.

Ad Loading...

Oil producers participating in a supply-reduction agreement cut output in July by 9% more than called for, reports Reuters, and Iran’s crude oil exports have fallen amid U.S. sanctions against the country. Reuters reports that risks of supply disruptions from places such as Venezuela, Africa and Iran triggered expectations of a tightening global oil market.

Ad Loading...

Crude oil futures ended Monday, August 27, 15 cents higher on the New York Mercantile Exchange at $68.87 a barrel. Oil prices had their best week since June last week, climbing more than 5% on a larger-than-expected drop in U.S. inventories, reports the Wall Street Journal.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s fuel price report for the week ending Aug. 27 showed the national average retail price of $3.226 was up 1.9 cents from the previous week and 6.21 cents from last year.

The highest price, $3.945 in California, is up 1.6 cents from last week but 95 cents from last year. The lowest prices were found in the Gulf Coast region at $3.004 per gallon, up 2.3 cents from last week and 57.6 cents from last year.

While diesel prices were up in all regions of the country compared to last week and last year, gasoline prices were up from a year ago but actually fell slightly in many regions of the country.

The national average price for gasoline of $2.827 per gallon was up .6 cents from last week and 42.8 cents from last year. The highest prices, on the West Coast at $3.310 per gallon, were up .03 cents from last week and 40.7 cents from last year. The lowest prices, $2.569 in the Gulf Coast region, was up .01 cents from last week and 41.3 cents from last year. However, gasoline prices fell from the previous week in the East Coast region and in the West Coast minus California.

More Fuel Smarts

Solar panels on top of a red Class 8 truck sleeper cab
Equipmentby Deborah LockridgeMarch 15, 2026

Vanair Introduces Solar, Battery Power Ecosystem for Class 8 Trucks

The company’s expanded EPEQ ecosystem includes flexible solar panels, lithium batteries, hydraulic power systems, and a portable fast charger for electric trucks.

Read More →
HDT Talks Trucking thumbnail saying: NACFE's Messy Middle: Which Fuel Wins?
Fuel SmartsMarch 11, 2026

Run on Less “Messy Middle” Data Shows Multiple Paths for Truck Powertrains [Listen]

Listen as Mike Roeth of the North American Council for Freight Efficiency shares insights into battery-electric trucks, natural gas, biofuels, and clean diesel on this episode of HDT Talks Trucking.

Read More →
YouTube thumbnail with Mike Roeth of NACFE saying "NACFE's Messy Middle: Which Fuel Wins?"
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeMarch 11, 2026

Run on Less “Messy Middle” Data Shows Multiple Paths Forward for Truck Powertrains [Watch]

NACFE's Run on Less - Messy Middle project demonstrates the power of data in helping to guide the future of alternative fuels and powertrains for heavy-duty trucks.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Mike Kucharski, vice president, JKC Trucking.
Fuel Smartsby Jack RobertsMarch 10, 2026

Trucking Executive Warns Fuel Spike from Middle East Conflict Hitting Fleets Fast

Mike Kucharski, vice president of refrigerated carrier JKC Trucking, says diesel price jumps tied to global instability are squeezing carriers already struggling with weak freight rates.

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

6 Dashcam Tactics to Improve Safety & ROI

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 →
Ad Loading...
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 →