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.

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

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 SmartsJanuary 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 SmartsJanuary 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 SmartsJanuary 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 →
SponsoredJanuary 19, 2026

3 New Ways Fleet Software Pays: ROI opportunities for modern fleet managers

Safety, uptime, and insurance costs directly impact profitability. This eBook looks at how fleet software is evolving to deliver real ROI through proactive maintenance, AI-powered video telematics, and real-time driver coaching. Learn how fleets are reducing crashes, defending claims, and using integrated data to make smarter operational decisions.

Read More →
SponsoredJanuary 19, 2026

Basic Tracking vs Next Generation Fleet Technology

Fleet software is getting more sophisticated and effective than ever, tying big data models together to transform maintenance, safety, and the value of your existing tech stack. Fleet technology upgrades are undoubtedly an investment, but updated technology can offer a much higher return. Read how upgrading your fleet technology can increase the return on your investment.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeDecember 22, 2025

From Truck APUs to Intelligent Engines: NACFE Updates Idle Reduction Report

Idle reduction for heavy-duty trucks has come a long way. An updated playbook from the North American Council for Freight Efficiency explains what technologies deliver results today — and what’s coming next.

Read More →