Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Diesel Cost Highest Since September, Prices Skyrocket in Northeast

Following record setting cold weather in parts of the U.S. the average cost of diesel has increased for the second straight week and hit its highest price since September, according to the U.S. Energy Department.

Evan Lockridge
Evan LockridgeFormer Business Contributing Editor
February 3, 2014
Diesel Cost Highest Since September, Prices Skyrocket in Northeast

Credit: U.S. DOE

2 min to read


Following record setting cold weather in parts of the U.S. the average cost of diesel has increased for the second straight week and hit its highest price since September, according to the U.S. Energy Department.

It’s up 4.7 cents from a week ago to $3.951 per gallon, but is 7.1 cents lower than the same time a year ago. Over the past two weeks the hike totals 7.8 cents.

Ad Loading...

These two most recent increases are not unexpected due to shortages in the Northeast of diesel fuel’s sister, home heating oil, with supplies in the region falling to their lowest level since 1990 last week, according to the Energy Department.

U.S. DOE

Diesel prices increased in all sections of the country, except in the Rocky Mountain region, where it fell 0.3 cent from a week ago to an average of $3.86.

The biggest weekly hikes were seen in the New England and Central Atlantic parts of the East Coast, with both gaining more than 13 cents. This gave New England the highest regional price at $4.305 with the Central Atlantic section having the second highest at $4.281.

Ad Loading...

The least expensive regional price is the Gulf Coast, where the average increased just 0.3 cent over the last week to $3.775.

In contrast, gasoline has edged down for the second consecutive week, with the national average shedding 0.3 cent from a week ago to $3.292 per gallon.

During this most recent string of declines it’s down less than 0.5 cent but is 24.6 cents lower than the same time a year ago.

Gasoline ranges between a low of $3.083 in the Gulf Coast region to a high of $3.492 in the West Coast region.

Meantime, the cost of oil on Monday fell $1.06 in New York trading, settling at $96.43 per barrel on weaker than expected reports on the economies of the U.S. and China. Compared to a week ago oil is up 77 cents.

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 →