Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Diesel Falls to Lowest Average Cost in 4 Years

The price of oil has stabilized over the past week, but is still at its lowest level in years, while fuel prices show no signs of letting up from their dramatic declines.

Evan Lockridge
Evan LockridgeFormer Business Contributing Editor
December 22, 2014
Diesel Falls to Lowest Average Cost in 4 Years

 

2 min to read


The price of oil has stabilized over the past week, but is still at its lowest level in years, while fuel prices show no signs of letting up from their dramatic declines.

Ad Loading...

New U.S. Energy Department figures show the average cost for on-highway diesel is down 13.8 cents over the past week to $3.281 per gallon, its lowest level in four years. This is 59.2 cents less than the same time a year ago and compares to a high for the year of $4.021 in March.

Ad Loading...

Prices fell over the past week between 4.2 cents in New England for an average of $3.425, also the highest priced part of the country, to as much as 17.9 cents in the Midwest to $3.294. Compared to a year ago prices in the different parts of the country are down between 51.5 cents to as much as 65.5 cents less.

Trucking’s main fuel is the least expensive in the Gulf Coast region at $3.175, down 15.3 cents over the past week.

The result of this big drop has been billions of dollars in savings for the trucking industry, $350 to $375 million dollars annually for each one-cent decline, according to the American Trucking Associations.

Meantime, the cost of crude oil moved lower on Monday, falling $1.87 to $55.26 per barrel, following a rally on Friday that pushed prices 5% higher. Compared to last Tuesday’s opening price it is down just 14 cents.

It’s estimated the more than 50% decline in oil prices in the second half of this year and the consequential fall in gasoline prices has also led to a $125 million windfall for consumers, according to the investment banking firm Goldman Sachs, enough for it to label the drop a “middle class tax cut.”

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 →