Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Diesel Prices Fall for Second Week in a Row

Diesel prices in the U.S. were down for the second week in a row, taking back some of the gains from the start of the year, according to the latest numbers from the Energy Department.

by Staff
January 23, 2017
Diesel Prices Fall for Second Week in a Row

 

2 min to read


Source: EIA

Diesel prices in the U.S. were down for the second week in a row, taking back some of the gains from the start of he year, according to the latest numbers from the Energy Department.

The average price of on-highway diesel fuel fell by 1.6 cents last week, settling at $2.569 per gallon at the pump. That price is still much higher than it was at this point last year, gaining nearly 50 cents compared to 2016.

Ad Loading...

The drop in average fuel prices was driven mostly by a 2.9-cent decrease in the Midwest, topping all other major regions in the U.S. New England was nearly flat over the same period, losing 0.1 cents for the week.

The average price of regular gasoline was down even more last week, dropping 3.2 cents to $2.326 per gallon. The price of gasoline is currently 47 cents more expensive than it was in the same week a year ago.

By region, the largest decrease in prices occurred in the Midwest, where prices fell by 6.4 cents per gallon. The smallest drop was on the West Coast, where gas prices fell by an average 0.7 cents.

Ad Loading...

Fuel prices seem to be mirroring the crude oil market, as the price of a barrel of crude oil was down in trading to start the week.  Oil prices were trending upward to start the year in anticipation of a deal between OPEC countries to freeze or cut oil production. However, the deal has also reignited U.S. crude oil production, which has subdued any gains, according to a MarketWatch report.

OPEC originally agreed to cut oil production to meet lower global demand and drive up crude oil prices. However, the resulting increase in prices made the U.S. oil industry, particularly the shale oil portion, profitable enough to ramp up production again. This has offset the anticipated price gains, at least in the short term.

More Fuel Smarts

A GP Transco tractor-trailer crosses a bridge over a river, with trailer side skirts visible beneath the white trailer.
Fuel Smarts•by Deborah Lockridge•October 27, 2026

How GP Transco Builds Fuel Savings a Fraction at a Time

Aerodynamic specs, solar panels, and driver incentives help GP Transco turn small efficiency gains into savings it can reinvest in its people.

Read More →
Man on large stage with American Trucking Associations logo in the background and large screen displays of distillate stocks.
Fuel Smarts•by Deborah Lockridge•October 20, 2026

Trucking’s Diesel Squeeze Isn’t Letting Up

With diesel topping $6 a gallon nationally, ATA's Bob Costello explains why fleets should prepare for continued pressure at the pump.

Read More →
Computer rendering showing airflow around a trailer’s tandem wheels equipped with FlowBelow AeroSlider fairings and wheel covers.
Fuel Smarts•by Deborah Lockridge•October 18, 2026

FlowBelow Redesigns Trailer AeroSlider to Cut Fuel Use

The lighter trailer aerodynamic system installs in less than 45 minutes, according to the company, with potential payback in under a year depending on fuel prices and trailer mileage.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Illustration with oil wells, dollar bills, and a diesel fuel pump
Fuel Smarts•by Deborah Lockridge•October 14, 2026

Why Diesel Price Relief Efforts May Fall Short

Diesel prices have eased from September’s record high, but doubts about additional Russian supply and limits on dyed-diesel tax relief mean trucking fleets still face expensive fuel. And prices could go higher.

Read More →
Video thumbnail with text: Fuel -- small gains, big savings.
Fuel Smarts•October 12, 2026

Why Small Fuel Savings Matter in Trucking

Can better fuel economy help pay for driver raises? In this podcast, GP Transco explains how small efficiency gains create room to reinvest in its people.

Read More →
Youtube thumbnail showing two people with a truck and the word "fuel" behind them, the HDT Talks Trucking logo, and the words "Small Gains. Big Savings."
Fuel Smarts•by Deborah Lockridge•October 12, 2026

How GP Transco Cuts Trucking Fuel Costs, a Tenth of a Gallon at a Time

What’s another tenth of a mile per gallon worth? GP Transco shares how equipment upgrades and driver coaching turn small gains into meaningful fuel savings.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Photo of electric OrangeEV terminal tractor with a Lazer Logistics trailer
Equipment•by Staff•October 6, 2026

Electric Yard Tractors Move Beyond Pilots

Operating-cost savings have overtaken sustainability goals as the leading reason surveyed fleets are adopting battery-electric terminal tractors, according to new NACFE research.

Read More →
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 →
Ad Loading...
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 →