The national average diesel price decreased by 1.6 cents, reaching $3.688 per gallon as of August 19, based on data from the Energy Information Administration. This marks the sixth straight week of falling prices, with a total decrease of 17.7 cents over that time.

Key Points:

  • Year-Over-Year Comparison: The current diesel price is 70.1 cents lower than it was at the same time in 2023.
  • Regional Differences: Diesel prices dropped in all regions surveyed. The Rocky Mountain region experienced the most significant decrease of 4.7 cents, bringing the price to $3.65 per gallon, while the Midwest saw the smallest drop of 0.7 cents, with an average price of $3.674 per gallon.
  • Gasoline Prices: The national average price for gasoline fell by 3.2 cents to $3.382 per gallon, which is 48.6 cents lower than it was a year ago.

Regional Breakdown:

East Coast (PADD 1): The average diesel price on the East Coast declined by 2.1 cents to $3.757 per gallon. Within this region:

  • New England (PADD 1A): Prices dropped the most within the East Coast, down 3.9 cents to $4.019 per gallon.
  • Central Atlantic (PADD 1B): Diesel prices decreased by 2.6 cents, now averaging $3.935 per gallon.
  • Lower Atlantic (PADD 1C): The smallest decline in this region occurred in the Lower Atlantic, where prices fell by 1.7 cents to $3.664 per gallon.

Midwest (PADD 2): The Midwest experienced a slight decrease of 0.7 cents, bringing the average price to $3.674 per gallon. This region saw the smallest decline nationwide.

Gulf Coast (PADD 3): The Gulf Coast, consistently the region with the lowest diesel prices, saw a reduction of 1.6 cents, with the average now at $3.355 per gallon. This continues to make the Gulf Coast the most cost-effective area for diesel.

Rocky Mountain (PADD 4): The Rocky Mountain region recorded the most significant price drop, with diesel decreasing by 4.7 cents to $3.650 per gallon. This substantial shift stands out against the more modest declines observed in previous weeks.

West Coast (PADD 5): On the West Coast, diesel prices went down by 1.5 cents to $4.294 per gallon. Within this region:

  • California: Prices dropped by 2.4 cents to $4.739 per gallon, maintaining California’s status as the area with the highest diesel costs.
  • West Coast less California: Outside of California, prices saw a slight decline of 0.8 cents, bringing the average to $3.905 per gallon.