Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Diesel Prices Continue Falling in New Year

Diesel prices continued their recent and steep decline into the New Year, aided by oil prices that are the lowest in nearly six years.

Evan Lockridge
Evan LockridgeFormer Business Contributing Editor
January 5, 2015
Diesel Prices Continue Falling in New Year

 

2 min to read


Diesel prices continued their recent and steep decline into the New Year, aided by oil prices that are the lowest in nearly six years.

Ad Loading...

The average cost of on-highway diesel fell 7.6 cents over the past week to $3.137 per gallon, according to the U.S. Energy Department. That's the lowest price since November 2010. Compared to the same time a year ago, diesel is down 77.3 cents.

Ad Loading...

The fuel is also down from its 2014 high of $4.021 per gallon hit in early March, the price falling most weeks since then.

Price declines also happened in all the different parts of the country over the past week, ranging from 4.7 cents in the Central Atlantic states, for an average of $3.303 (also the most expensive regional price), to as much as 10.4 cents in the Midwest, for an average of $3.102.

Trucking's main fuel is the lowest in the Gulf Coast region, $3.045, down 7.6 cents from last week.

The DOE also reported gasoline continued its recent price decline, with the U.S. average for the regular grade fuel falling 8.5 cents over the past week to $2.214 per gallon, the lowest since May 2009. Compared to the same time a year ago the price is down nearly $1.12 per gallon.

Gasoline currently ranges from a low of $1.974 in the Midwest to a high of $2.582 in the West Coast region.

Ad Loading...

The fuel prices were released following the close of floor trading Monday in New York for oil, which fell $2.65 on the day, settling at $50.04 per gallon, its lowest closing since April 28, 2009. Compared to last Tuesday’s opening price it is down $3.68. Before closing on Monday oil briefly was trading below $50 per barrel, the first time that’s happened since April 2009.

Oil prices have been falling since June, when U.S. crude was selling for more than $107 per barrel. This is due in large part to increasing production of oil from U.S. shale drilling operations, Saudi Arabia refusing to cut production to bolster prices and slowing worldwide demand.

Contributing to Monday’s drop in oil prices was a report that Russia’s output of oil in 2014 rose to its highest level since the collapse of the Soviet Union, while Iraq’s oil exports in December were the highest since 1980.

There are reports that some traders are expecting oil prices to be trading well into the $40s later this week, especially if government numbers show increasing oil stockpiles. A few are even predicting the $20 to $30 per barrel range by June.

 

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 →