Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Average Diesel Cost Posts First Hike in Six Weeks, Oil Hits Seven-Week High

The average cost of diesel has turned around over the past week and decided to follow the path gasoline has been taking for nearly a dozen weeks.

Evan Lockridge
Evan LockridgeFormer Business Contributing Editor
April 21, 2014
Average Diesel Cost Posts First Hike in Six Weeks, Oil Hits Seven-Week High

Credit: U.S. DOE

2 min to read


Credit: U.S. DOE

The average cost of diesel has turned around over the past week and decided to follow the path gasoline has been taking for nearly a dozen weeks.

Ad Loading...

The U.S. Energy Department reports diesel is up 1.9 cents, hitting $3.971, following five straight weekly declines. Compared to the same time a year ago the price is 8.4 cents higher.

Ad Loading...

Diesel increased in all the different parts of the country, except in the New England and Central Atlantic sections, adding less than a penny over the past week, with the former having the highest price of any section of the country at $4.212 per gallon. The Central Atlantic has the second highest average cost at $4.191.

The biggest increase was seen in the West Coast region, adding 4.9 cents, for an average of $4.03 per gallon, followed by Rocky Mountain and Gulf Coast regions, adding 3.4 cents and 3 cents, respectively, though the Gulf Coast maintains having the least expensive diesel cost in the nation at $3.82.

As for regular grade gasoline it posted its 11tth consecutive weekly increase, picking up 3.2 cents from last week, for an average of $3.683 per gallon. Compared to a year ago the current price is 14.7 cents higher.

Credit: U.S. DOE

Before this most recent string of increases the national average cost of gasoline was $3.292 in early February.

Prices increased in all parts of the country over the past week with the biggest being seen in the East Coast region, up 5.3 cents, registering $3.662.

Ad Loading...

Gasoline ranges from a low of $3.446 in the Rocky Mountain region, up 0.8 cent from last week, to a high of $4.027 in the West Coast region, a nickel higher than last week.

Part of the reason for the recent surge in gasoline prices has been due to decreasing supplies and increasing costs for ethanol, which is blended with most gasoline.

Meantime oil on Monday closed at a seven-week high in New York trading, picking up just seven cents on the day, settling at $104.37 per barrel due to continued uncertainty over tensions involving Ukraine and recent U.S. economic reports suggesting increased energy demand. Compared to a week ago, oil is up a little more than 75 cents. 

More Fuel Smarts

Cyberstop column header depicting images related to cybersecurity and rising oil prices
Fleet Managementby Ben WilkensMarch 20, 2026

From Diesel Prices to Cyberattacks: How the Iran War Is Affecting Trucking

The impact of the Iran conflict extends beyond fuel costs, bringing more fraud and cybersecurity risks to the trucking industry.

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

6 Dashcam Tactics to Improve Safety & ROI

6 intelligent dashcam tactics to improve safety and boost ROI

Read More →
Ad Loading...
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 →