Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Diesel Fuel Prices Continue to Trend Higher

Diesel and gasoline prices were higher for the second week in a row, according to the latest numbers from the Energy Department.

by Staff
December 13, 2016
Diesel Fuel Prices Continue to Trend Higher

 

2 min to read


Source: EIA

Diesel and gasoline prices were higher for the second week in a row, according to the latest numbers from the Energy Department.  

The average price of on-highway diesel fuel increased 1.3 cents last week, jumping to $2.493 at the pump. Diesel prices are now more than 15 cents higher than they were in the same week a year ago.

Ad Loading...

The largest increase was in the Central Atlantic region, which saw prices jump by 3.1 cents for the week. The Rocky Mountain region actually saw a small drop in prices during the same period, falling 1 cent.

Average regular gasoline prices were also up last week, increasing 2.8 cents to hit $2.236 at the pump. Gas prices are now nearly 20 cents higher than in the same week of 2015.

The largest increase by region was in the Midwest, where prices jumped 5.5 cents on average. On the West Coast, prices fell by 1.5 cents during the same period.

Ad Loading...

Crude oil prices are at some of the highest levels since mid-2015 as global markets react to a deal between oil producing countries to freeze or cut production outputs, according to a MarketWatch report.

The deal was made to stabilize and improve an oil market that had been at some of the lowest levels in years. Weaker global demand caused by a slow global economy created an oversupply of crude oil,which drove prices downward.

In November, OPEC finally reached an agreement to cut production and, in recent days, 11 other oil producing countries have agreed to follow suit.

More Fuel Smarts

Illustration showing DEF tank and Detroit engine
Equipmentby Deborah LockridgeJune 18, 2026

DTNA Software Update Gives Truckers More Time Before DEF Derates Take Effect

The changes reflect EPA guidance aimed at reducing downtime caused by emissions-system faults while maintaining compliance requirements.

Read More →
Illustration of exhaust aftertreatment system on an AI-inspired blue background and a green fuel pump nozzle in the foreground.
Maintenanceby Deborah LockridgeJune 15, 2026

New Agentic Predictive Maintenance Report Demonstrates How Degraded Aftertreatment Systems Waste Fuel

Questar analyzed a large mixed-class fleet and discovered it was wasting as much as $30 in fuel per vehicle, per day, because of mechanically degraded aftertreatment systems.

Read More →
Amazon electric cargo bike on New York City street
Fleet ManagementJune 15, 2026

New York City's Microhub Project is Delivering Results

Trucking, last-mile delivery companies, and environmental advocates like what they are seeing so far with New York's microhub program.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Red Kenworth truck pulling Paper Transport trailer
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeJune 2, 2026

Lessons Learned About Alternative Fuels: Start Small, Stay Flexible

Practical advice on adopting alternative fuels and ZEVs from HDT's 2026 Top Green Fleets, from renewable diesel and natural gas to electric trucks.

Read More →
Composite image of different angles of the Kempower charger
Fuel Smartsby News/Media ReleaseMay 29, 2026

Kempower Adds Flex EV Charger to Help Support Transition to Megawatt Charging

The Kempower Mega Satellite Flex has both a CCS and MCS connector, allowing operators to serve both types of heavy-duty vehicles.

Read More →
White Hino Le electric tractor on show floor
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseMay 26, 2026

Hino Adds Electric Class 6/7 Truck

Hino says the Le Series is an important step in the company's efforts to reduce environmental impact and support its customers’ sustainability goals.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Sigma Powertrain BEV transmission.
Fuel Smartsby Jack RobertsMay 26, 2026

Can Multi-Speed EV Transmissions Solve Heavy Trucking’s Biggest Electric-Vehicle Problems?

A startup called Sigma Powertrain believes purpose-built multi-speed gearboxes can boost efficiency, reduce battery size and improve gradeability for heavy-duty battery-electric trucks.

Read More →
Red Hendrickson e-axle at ACT Expo booth
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseMay 22, 2026

Hendrickson Debuts Electraax E-Axle for Medium-Duty Trucks

Developed with Driventic, Hendrickson's new integrated e-axle is designed to improve efficiency, reduce weight, and extend range in Class 6-7 EV applications.

Read More →
Fueling trucks.
Fuel SmartsCover Storyby Deborah LockridgeMay 18, 2026

50 Ways Fleets Can Cut Fuel Costs Now — Without Buying New Trucks

Fuel savings don’t come from one big change. They come from dozens of small ones. Here’s how leading fleets are stacking gains across drivers, routing, maintenance, and more.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Collage of HDT Top Green Fleets with logo
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeMay 18, 2026

Top Green Fleets 2026: How Fleets Are Reducing Emissions in the Real World

What works in sustainable trucking today? Heavy Duty Trucking's Top Green Fleets are finding practical ways to cut fuel use, reduce emissions, and keep freight moving.

Read More →