Diesel Price Drops 8.2¢ in Year’s Largest Decline
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The U.S. average diesel price fell 8.2 cents to $3.458 per gallon for the week ending Dec. 9, according to the latest data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. This significant decline represents the largest weekly drop since Dec. 11, 2023, when prices fell 10.5 cents.
At the national level, diesel remains 52.9 cents cheaper than the same week in 2023, providing some ongoing relief for transportation and logistics operators. Price trends varied by region, though steep weekly declines were recorded across most parts of the country.
Year-Over-Year Comparison
Diesel prices remain significantly lower compared to the same period last year, with the largest year-over-year decline of 74.4 cents coming in California.
U.S. On-Highway Diesel Fuel Prices
(Energy Information Administration)
Regional Analysis
East Coast (PADD 1): The East Coast average dropped by 6.2 cents to $3.535 per gallon. Subregional trends include:
- New England (PADD 1A): Prices declined by 1.8 cents, bringing the average to $3.755 — a year-over-year drop of 66.3 cents.
- Central Atlantic (PADD 1B): The region experienced a 4.3-cent decrease, with an average price of $3.750 — down 65.6 cents from last year.
- Lower Atlantic (PADD 1C): Diesel prices fell by 7.5 cents, reducing the regional average to $3.432, a 44.8-cent year-over-year decline.
Midwest (PADD 2): The Midwest recorded a 9.6-cent weekly decline, with prices averaging $3.425 per gallon. Year over year, the region’s prices are down by 47.5 cents, reflecting a steady downward trend.
Gulf Coast (PADD 3): The Gulf Coast, which continues to have the nation’s lowest diesel prices, saw a significant drop of 9.7 cents, bringing its average to $3.130 per gallon. Compared to the same week in 2023, prices are down 51 cents.
Rocky Mountain (PADD 4): The Rocky Mountain region led the country with a sharp 10.2-cent decline, lowering its average to $3.329 per gallon. Year over year, prices in this region are down by 72 cents, the second-largest drop among all areas.
West Coast (PADD 5): The West Coast experienced a 4.5-cent decrease, with an average price of $4.119 per gallon. Subregional trends include:
- West Coast less California: Prices fell by 5.7 cents, averaging $3.682 per gallon, down 62.8 cents from last year.
- California: Diesel prices declined by 2.9 cents to $4.623 per gallon. Despite the drop, California retains the highest average price in the U.S., though year-over-year prices are down by 74.4 cents, the largest decrease nationwide.
Gasoline Update
The national average price for a gallon of gasoline had not been updated at time of publication.
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