Diesel Rises for Fourth Straight Week With 4.7-Cent Gain
[Stay on top of transportation news: Get TTNews in your inbox.]
The national average price for diesel increased by 4.7 cents, reaching $3.631 per gallon for the week ending Oct. 14, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. This marks the fourth consecutive week of gains, bringing the cumulative increase to 10.5 cents over the past month.
Year Over Year
Despite these recent increases, the national average remains 81.3 cents lower than during the same week in 2023, offering some relief for the transportation sector compared to last year’s elevated price environment.
Regional Analysis
The Gulf Coast saw the largest weekly increase at 7.1 cents, while California was the only region to report a slight decrease of 0.8 cent.
East Coast (PADD 1): The East Coast region recorded a moderate rise of 2.3 cents, bringing the average price to $3.586 per gallon. The region continues to exhibit mixed dynamics across its subregions:
- New England (PADD 1A) diesel prices were largely stable, with only a minimal increase of 0.1 cent to $3.766 per gallon. The year-over-year decline stands at 79.1 cents.
- Central Atlantic (PADD 1B) saw a more significant jump of 4 cents, with prices now at $3.861 per gallon. While this rise is notable, prices remain 81.1 cents below last year’s levels.
- Lower Atlantic (PADD 1C) prices edged up by 1.7 cents, bringing the average to $3.464 per gallon. Compared to October 2023, prices are down 82.6 cents, continuing the region’s trend of moderate price declines over the year.
U.S. On-Highway Diesel Fuel Prices
U.S. Energy Information Administration
Midwest (PADD 2): The Midwest recorded the second-largest regional increase this week, with diesel prices climbing 6.4 cents to reach $3.651 per gallon. Seasonal factors, such as increased agricultural activity during the harvest season, are contributing to this rise. Nonetheless, the trend continues: Midwest diesel remains 65.3 cents cheaper compared to the same period last year.
Gulf Coast (PADD 3): The Gulf Coast led all regions in weekly gains, with prices surging by 7.1 cents, bringing the cost to $3.337 per gallon. The Gulf Coast, as the nation’s primary refining hub, typically experiences lower prices relative to other regions. The recent increase is likely due in part to Hurricanes Helene and Milton sweeping through the Gulf of Mexico in quick succession in recent weeks. Year over year, prices are down 77.7 cents.
PADD — Petroleum Administration for Defense Districts. U.S. Energy Information Administration
Rocky Mountain (PADD 4): In the Rocky Mountain region, diesel prices ticked up by 1.5 cents, landing at $3.635 per gallon. This region remains the most stable, with limited price volatility due to its geographic isolation from larger distribution networks. Prices here are $1.03 lower than a year ago, marking the most substantial year-over-year decline of any region.
West Coast (PADD 5): The West Coast saw a modest increase of 1.3 cents, bringing the regional average to $4.274 per gallon. Within the region, subregional dynamics continue to diverge:
- West Coast less California prices increased by 3.3 cents to $3.874 per gallon. Year over year, this subregion has seen a notable decline of $1.136.
- Diesel prices in California, meanwhile, dropped 0.8 cents to $4.734 per gallon. This marks its first decrease in weeks, though prices remain $1.385 below last year’s levels.
Gasoline Update
EIA has not yet updated gasoline prices for the week ending Oct. 14.
Want more news? Listen to today's daily briefing below or go here for more info:
