Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Diesel Spikes to More Than $4, Crude Prices Moderate

The average U.S. diesel price is up to $4.051 after a spike of 9 cents, and gas prices increased an average of 13 cents, reports the Energy Information Administration in its weekly Gas and Fuel Update

by Staff
February 27, 2012
Diesel Spikes to More Than $4, Crude Prices Moderate

More truckers are seeing this as diesel is again at $4 a gallon. (Photo by Jim Park)

2 min to read


The average U.S. diesel price is up to $4.051 after a spike of 9 cents, and gas prices increased an average of 13 cents, reports the Energy Information Administration in its weekly Gas and Fuel Update.



This is the first time the average diesel fuel price has been more than $4 since November 2011. This is the fifth week of price increases for diesel, and in the past five weeks, the average U.S. diesel price has increased more than 20 cents. Compared to a year ago, diesel prices are up by an average of 33 cents.

The West Coast saw the biggest surge in diesel prices with a 16.2-cent average increase to $4.326 from $4.164.

Bloomberg reported that ultra-low sulfur diesel supplies might be tight in the U.S. East Coast during the next year due to refinery shutdowns and transportation constraints limiting shipping from the Gulf Coast. In a report, the EIA said that diesel will be "the most challenging product to replace as there are few alternative supply sources outside the U.S. Gulf Coast."

Gas prices this week rose to $3.721 from $3.591. The biggest increase occurred in the West Coast, which saw an almost 23-cent spike. Prices in the West Coast are up a whopping 50 cents from this time last year.

Oil prices fell slightly this week, affected by Western nations' fears of Iran building a nuclear weapon as well as the dollar strengthening and concerns that high oil process might limit economic growth.

Crude oil fell $1.21 and settled at $108.56 a barrel. Brent crude for April fell $1.30 to $124.17.

More Drivers

Thumbnail for podcast episode
Safety & ComplianceMay 28, 2026

Short Takes: Inside K&B’s Truck Safety Tech

Listen to learn how K&B Transportation uses cellphone-blocking technology, speed management systems, weather geofencing, bridge avoidance tools, and more to improve driver safety.

Read More →
Nussbaum driver pay.
Driversby News/Media ReleaseMay 27, 2026

Nussbaum Expands Driver Compensation with Pay Raises, Profit Sharing

Nussbaum Transportation said its latest compensation package could push first-year driver earnings above $90,000 in key hiring markets.

Read More →
Lance Evans, Director of Safety at K&B Transportation.
Safety & ComplianceMay 13, 2026

Listen: Inside Modern Fleet Safety: AI, Cameras & Speed Control at K&B Transportation

Fleet safety is evolving fast—and technology is at the center of it. Learn how a former commercial vehicle enforcement officer turned director of safety at K&B Transportation is embracing real-world safety technology.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Maverick Transportation Freightliner Cascadia.
Driversby News/Media ReleaseMay 12, 2026

Maverick Announces 2026 Driver Pay Raises

New raises for Maverick Transportation drivers will take effect on May 31, 2026.

Read More →
Alleged Ohio toll evasion truck.
Driversby News/Media ReleaseMay 5, 2026

Illinois Trucker Indicted for Nearly $22,000 in Ohio Turnpike Toll Evasion

Authorities say an Illinois trucker avoided paying tolls for two years, and now faces felony charges, possible prison time, and forfeiture of his Freightliner tractor.

Read More →
Illustration with trojan horse and lock with inside of cargo container in background
Fleet Managementby News/Media ReleaseApril 23, 2026

New Trojan Driver Cargo Theft Scam Bypasses Carrier Vetting Systems

Cargo theft rings plant operatives as drivers inside legitimate, fully vetted carriers, then execute coordinated thefts that look like a traditional straight theft from the outside.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Female truck driver.
Driversby News/Media ReleaseApril 21, 2026

WIM, Trucker Path Name Top 3 Women-Friendly Truck Stops

ATA’s Women In Motion Council and Trucker Path highlight three truck stops that meet all seven safety-focused criteria and rank highest among female drivers.

Read More →
Illustration of driver medical exam paperwork over duotone background of a blood pressure check

FMCSA Extends Paper Medical Card Exemption … Again

Five states still aren't ready to accept commercial driver medical exam information directly from the medical examiner's registry.

Read More →
Mack Pioneer tractor.
Driversby Jack RobertsApril 10, 2026

Mack Launches Digital Driver Guide for Chassis-Specific Truck Info

Mack’s new, virtual owner’s manual delivers VIN-based, on-demand guidance for vehicle systems via web, app, and soon in-cab displays.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Close-up of Western Star truck logo with red star emblem on chrome grille, representing the brand’s identity in the trucking industry.
Driversby News/Media ReleaseApril 6, 2026

Western Star Showcases Truckers' Pride and Skill

Western Star is expanding its Star Nation Experience in 2026, adding new competitions and dealer participation to highlight operator skills and promote careers in trucking.

Read More →