Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Diesel Prices Rise in Last Week of Year

The price of diesel fuel in the U.S. increased again, capping off a rally in fuel prices that began more than a month ago, according to the latest numbers from the Energy Department.

by Staff
January 3, 2017
Diesel Prices Rise in Last Week of Year

 

2 min to read


Source: EIA

The price of diesel fuel in the U.S. increased again last week, capping off a rally in fuel prices that began more than a month ago, according to the latest numbers from the Energy Department.

The average price of on-highway diesel fuel jumped 4.6 cents last week, hitting $2.586 per gallon at the pump. As the streak of price increases continues, diesel fuel is now 37.5 cents more expensive than it was in the same week of the previous year.

Ad Loading...

Prices increased in all major regions of the country with the largest spike hitting the Central Atlantic at 8.9 cents per gallon. The smallest amount of change was a 1.9-cent increase in the Rocky Mountain region.

The price of regular gasoline was also up last week, increasing 6.8 cents to an average of $2.377 per gallon at the pump. Regular gasoline is now nearly 35 cents more expensive than it was in the final week of 2015.

The largest increase in gas prices was in the Central Atlantic region with an 8-cent per gallon increase. The smallest increase was on the West Coast where prices still jumped 5.9 cents for the week.

Ad Loading...

Crude oil prices were down to two-week lows to start 2017 amid new concerns that oil producing countries might not stick to an agreement to freeze oil production, according to a MarketWatch report.

The anxiety is partly caused by the New Year, as new, lower oil production targets were set to kick in on Jan. 1. Until analysts are sure that oil producing countries involved in the deal will abide by the new quotas, the oil market could remain subdued. Prices were also negatively affected by a stronger dollar and a report showing that Libya may be increasing oil production.

More Fuel Smarts

NACFE Run on Less 2026 findings.
Fuel Smartsby Jack RobertsMay 1, 2026

NACFE: Fleets Need to Recalibrate TCO Strategies as Electric Trucks Gain a Long-Term Edge

NACFE’s Run on Less data has found that recent setbacks aside, electric truck powertrains are trending toward market leadership by 2025.

Read More →
Gray Volvo tractor pulling trailer on open highway
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeMay 1, 2026

New High-Horsepower Natural Gas Engine Could Expand Fleet Options

Westport and Volvo are demonstrating a 500-hp truck with diesel-like efficiency — one that also offers what Westport says is a better pathway to using hydrogen fuel in trucks.

Read More →
Illustration with oil wells silhouetted against red and gold sky
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeMay 1, 2026

Why Fuel Diversification Matters for Trucking Fleets

Relying on diesel alone exposes fleets to fuel price volatility. Here’s why diversification with electric, natural gas, and renewable fuels can reduce risk.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Range Energy eTrailer.
Fuel Smartsby News/Media ReleaseApril 17, 2026

Range Energy Confirms eTrailer Performance in Winter Testing as Commercial Rollout Nears

Range Energy said its production-ready eTrailer system proved it can boost stability, safety, and efficiency in sub-zero winter conditions as the company moves toward scaled deployment.

Read More →
Circles with trucks demonstrating sustainable features and Top Green Fleets logo
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeApril 16, 2026

Top Green Fleets of 2026: Nomination Deadline Extended

Is your company a leader in sustainability efforts among trucking fleets? If so, Heavy Duty Trucking's editors want to hear from you.

Read More →
Youtube thumbnail featuring man in Big-Lebowski-inspired sweater
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeApril 13, 2026

New Lightweight Wheel Cover Targets Simpler Aero Gains [Watch]

Watch to learn how Deflecktor's new wheel cover design is taking a simpler approach to aerodynamics, with an eye toward making it more practical for both trucks and trailers.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Dual truck tires with black aerodynamic wheel cover and a man bending down getting ready to take one off
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeApril 10, 2026

Deflecktor: Hubbub Aerodynamic Wheel Cover Cost-Effective Even for Trailers

Aerodynamic wheel covers can deliver small but meaningful fuel-economy gains for fleets, and Deflecktor says its latest design aims to make the technology easier and more affordable to deploy.

Read More →
Podcast thumbnail saying "How to Save on Fuel Costs" with diesel pump in the background and photo of the woman guest
Fuel SmartsApril 9, 2026

Cutting Fleet Fuel Costs in a Volatile Market [Listen]

When diesel prices are as volatile as they've been in 2026, it makes it tough for trucking fleets to plan and control costs. Breakthrough Fuel's Jenny Vander Zanden has insights on near-term savings strategies.

Read More →
YouTube thumbnail saying "How to Save on Fuel Costs" with woman's photo and a photo of a diesel price pump
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeApril 9, 2026

Diesel Price Swings Aren’t Over. What Can Your Fleet Do?

Practical steps fleets can take to manage fuel costs, from purchasing strategies to driver behavior.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Illustration with oil wells, dollar bills, and a diesel fuel pump
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeApril 7, 2026

Diesel Prices Surge Toward Record Highs as Oil Price Volatility Intensifies

Prices jumped another 24 cents in a week, with California topping $7.50 and new data showing fleet fuel costs may already be at record levels.

Read More →