Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Diesel Moves Higher, Passes $2.94 Per Gallon

The national average cost of on-highway diesel has posted its fifth weekly increase but prices have started to moderate a little in some parts of the country, according to new U.S. Energy Department figures.

Evan Lockridge
Evan LockridgeFormer Business Contributing Editor
March 9, 2015
Diesel Moves Higher, Passes $2.94 Per Gallon

 

2 min to read


The national average cost of on-highway diesel has posted its fifth weekly increase but prices have started to moderate a little in some parts of the country, according to new U.S. Energy Department figures.

It has gained 0.8 cent over the past week, hitting $2.944 per gallon, its highest price since Jan. 12, following steep declines that began last summer with it hitting a five-year low last month. Compared to this week in 2014 the price is down by nearly $1.08 per gallon.

Ad Loading...

Regionally, average prices fell by 0.1 cent in the Gulf Coast states to $2.795 per gallon, the least expensive price in the country, along with declining by the same amount in the West Coast region at $3.096 per gallon. Prices fell slightly more in the West Coast region, minus California, 0.8 cent to $2.926.

In all other sections of the country prices increased from between 0.2 cent in the Midwest, hitting $2.852 per gallon, to 4.1 cents in New England at $3.332 per gallon, the second most expensive section in the country. The Central Atlantic region was the most expensive at $3.33, up 4 cents over the past week.

As for regular-grade gasoline, it increased far less than its double-digit hike a week earlier, adding 1.4 cents, for a national average of $2.487, its sixth straight weekly increase. Compared to a year ago it is $1.025 less.

Ad Loading...

Gasoline prices increased in all regions but the Midwest, where it fell 3.9 cents to $2.339. It ranges from a low of $2.228 in the Gulf Coast region to a high of $3.182 in the West Coast region.

Meantime, crude oil prices drifted higher on Monday by 39 cents at the close of trading in New York, settling at $50 per barrel after being as high as more than $52 at one point last week.

Compared to last Tuesday’s opening price Monday’s level at the market close is only 20 cents higher and it posted its third weekly decline in a row last week, while overseas crude fell 4.6% last week, it’s biggest weekly loss in nearly two months.

This came as the investment firm Goldman Sachs said in a note to investors it expects oil to reverse recent gains it has made since its plunge of more than 50% from last summer. It believes the black gold will drop back to $40 per barrel due to rising global inventories of crude.

Also helping to push oil back down has been a rise in the value of the dollar against major foreign currencies, making it less of an attractive buy for overseas investors.

More Fuel Smarts

Illustration of map with GPS markers overlaid with Geotab fleet card and a fuel pump nozzle
Fuel Smarts•by Staff•October 2, 2026

Geotab Links Fleet Card to Vehicle Data

The new card combines fuel discounts with telematics-based purchase controls. Geotab’s analysis also points to potential savings from choosing lower-priced fuel stops.

Read More →
White Tesla Semi electric truck on display on a show floor
Equipment•by Staff•September 30, 2026

Fleet Economics Shape Electric Truck Outlook

ACT Research expects costs, charging infrastructure, and technology improvements to drive zero-emission commercial vehicle adoption as federal regulations and incentives retreat.

Read More →
Male truck driver in flannel shirt by truck using his smartphone
Fuel Smarts•by News/Media Release•September 23, 2026

Wex Adds Cardless Fuel Payments for Over-the-Road Customers

A new fuel card feature for Wex customers offers convenience and security.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Fuel Smarts•by Staff•September 21, 2026

New California Law Could Shed Light on Electric Truck Prices

Why do battery-electric Class 8 trucks remain so expensive? A California bill signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom would give fleets and state agencies more visibility into what manufacturers charge.

Read More →
Video still of Volvo's Duane Tegels explaining the Volvo D13 diesel engine for EPA 2027 emissions
Equipment•by Deborah Lockridge•September 16, 2026

How Volvo Updated Its D13 for EPA 2027 [Watch]

Volvo’s updated D13 promises lower emissions without sacrificing performance or fuel economy. Take a closer look at what changed inside the engine in this HDT Spotlight video.

Read More →
Collage of fuel options for trucks - renewable diesel, renewable natural gas, diesel, and electric
Fuel Smarts•by Staff•September 15, 2026

Diesel Price Spike Shortens Payback for Natural Gas Trucks, Report Says

Energy Vision estimates fleets could recover the higher purchase price of an RNG-fueled Class 8 tractor in 1.3 to 2.8 years under current fuel-price scenarios.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Illustration showing the Calstart, Forth, and Catalyst Mobility logos
Fuel Smarts•by Staff•September 14, 2026

Calstart Becomes Catalyst Mobility, Reflecting Broader Focus

Calstart is now Catalyst Mobility, reflecting the nonprofit’s growing national role in clean transportation, including zero-emission trucks, infrastructure and incentive programs.

Read More →
Illustration with oil wells, dollar bills, and a diesel fuel pump
Fuel Smarts•September 9, 2026

Record Diesel Prices Squeeze Trucking Fleets

Average U.S. diesel prices have climbed to nearly $6 a gallon, surpassing the 2022 record as tight refinery capacity and Middle East disruptions keep fuel costs elevated.

Read More →
A red engine part
Sponsored•September 9, 2026

How Fuel Delivery Shapes Engine Performance

Fuel delivery depends on more than what happens at the injector. For fleet, maintenance and technical professionals, looking at the full path from pump to injector can provide useful context for understanding engine performance.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Port of Newark EV truck charging station.
Equipment•by News/Media Release•September 8, 2026

East Coast Port Launches $45M Electric Truck Push

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced millions in incentives for zero-emission drayage trucks, yard tractors, and new charging hubs near the port.

Read More →