The U.S. average retail price of diesel increased 2.2 cents to $2.819 a gallon — the highest price in more than two years — as oil prices rallied on speculation production cuts will continue into 2018 following a meeting of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries in November.

President Donald Trump’s chief economic adviser raised the possibility of increasing the federal gasoline tax next year to help pay for the administration’s $1 trillion infrastructure plan, U.S. Representative Tom Reed said.

America’s most popular fuel hasn’t been feeling the love. U.S. gasoline consumption dropped even as overall fuel demand posted an increase this year.

The U.S. average retail price of diesel rose 1.1 cents to $2.787 a gallon as oil prices increased along with Middle East tensions when opposing forces in Iraq clashed over control of the city of Kirkuk and nearby oil fields.

The U.S. average retail price of diesel crept up 0.4 cent to $2.792 a gallon, and oil dropped closer to $50 a barrel.

The U.S. average retail diesel price fell 0.3 cent a gallon to $2.788, the Department of Energy reported Sept. 25.

Empire Petroleum Partners purchases 70 Corner Store convenience store properties and fuel stations in six states from Circle K Stores Inc. and CST Brands Inc.

Hurricane Irma may now be gone, but its fallout will continue to haunt Florida for at least the next few days as the largest U.S. gasoline market after California and Texas thirsts for the fuel.

Long lines at fuel refineries are shortening, but the crush in demand for fuel caused by Hurricane Harvey is still putting pressure on fleets that serve the petroleum industry.

Driver hours-of-service rules are being relaxed in 26 states and the District of Columbia under a state of emergency announced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration on Aug. 31.