The average price of diesel fell slightly this week, landing at $2.787

, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. This is the third straight week the fuel has been dropping, down from last week's average of $2.79.

Prior to the declines, diesel prices had gained 22.6 cents. This week's reading is about 12 cents higher than the same week last year.

California had the highest diesel prices this week, landing at $2.954, followed by the Central Atlantic and West Coast regions, at $2.907 and $2.896, respectively. The Gulf Coast had the lowest showing, at $2.738.

Gasoline was up a penny this week to a national average of $2.639 per gallon. This was about 75 cents higher than the price during the same week last year.

Meanwhile, crude oil climbed Monday on a weak dollar and hopes of economic growth, Reuters reported. Crude settled at $77.56 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, according to Reuters.