Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Another Hike in Diesel Prices, Oil Nears $50 Per Barrel

The average price of diesel fuel increased once again last week continuing a streak of price hikes that began in February.

by Staff
May 16, 2016
Another Hike in Diesel Prices, Oil Nears $50 Per Barrel

 

2 min to read


Source: EIA

The average price of diesel fuel increased once again last week, continuing a streak of price hikes that began in February, according to the latest numbers from the Energy Department.

Ad Loading...

The price of a gallon of diesel fuel increased 2.6 cents for the week, hitting $2.297 at the pump. While the price has been steadily increasing this year, it is still more than 60 cents cheaper than it was in the same week a year ago.

Ad Loading...

The largest price increase was in the Rocky Mountain region with a 4.7-cent jump from the previous week. The smallest increase was in New England, where the price average moved less than a cent.

The average price of regular gasoline also increased last week, jumping 2.2 cents and settling at $2.242 per gallon. That price is 50.2 cents cheaper than it was a year ago.

Prices showed significant variation by region with the Midwest seeing a 6.2-cent increase for the week. In New England, the price actually decreased slightly by 0.7 cents per gallon.

Crude oil prices hit some of the highest levels of the year as the market reacted to reports that the oil supply glut has reduced significantly, according to MarketWatch.

A Goldman Sachs report claimed that the global oil surplus had actually turned into a deficit thanks to drops in production.

Ad Loading...

Unexpected outages in oil production and increases in demand contributed to the deficit, which is the first in more than two years. This had a large effect on the market with the price of a barrel of oil nearing $50 on May 16.

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 →