The average diesel price in the U.S. decreased for the 10th consecutive week, dropping by 2.9 cents to $3.526 per gallon, according to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration released on Sept. 16. Since July 8, diesel prices have dropped by a total of 33.9 cents, indicating a steady decline over the past two months.
Year-Over-Year Comparison Compared to the same week last year, the national average price is now $1.107 lower, providing significant relief for the trucking industry compared to 2023. Prices have dropped most dramatically in the West Coast and Rocky Mountain regions, with decreases of $1.451 and $1.276, respectively.
The Gulf Coast and Midwest also saw substantial reductions of $1.18 and $1.011, respectively, while the East Coast experienced a 95.2-cent decrease.
Gasoline Update
The national average price for gasoline dropped by 5.6 cents to $3.18 per gallon, which is 69.8 cents lower than the price at this time last year. The Midwest saw the largest decrease, with prices falling by 9.3 cents.
Regional Analysis
East Coast (PADD 1): Diesel prices in this region fell by 3.4 cents to $3.585 per gallon. New England experienced the sharpest drop of 5.3 cents, while the Central Atlantic region saw a 3.7-cent decrease. The Lower Atlantic region’s prices declined by 2.9 cents.
- New England (PADD 1A): Prices fell by 5.3 cents to $3.818, marking a 76.9-cent drop year-over-year.
- Central Atlantic (PADD 1B): A 3.7-cent decrease brought prices to $3.810, nearly 94 cents lower than last year.
- Lower Atlantic (PADD 1C): Prices fell by 2.9 cents to $3.479, showing a 97.7-cent year-over-year reduction.
Midwest (PADD 2): Diesel prices in the Midwest dropped 4.7 cents to $3.481 per gallon. Since August 19, prices in this region have fallen by 19.3 cents and are down $1.011 compared to last year.
Gulf Coast (PADD 3): Known for its low prices due to proximity to refineries, the Gulf Coast saw a smaller 1.8-cent decline, bringing the average to $3.172 per gallon, reflecting a $1.18 drop compared to last year.
Rocky Mountain (PADD 4): This region experienced a 2.1-cent increase, bringing prices to $3.588 per gallon. However, prices remain $1.276 lower than last year.
West Coast (PADD 5): Diesel prices in the West Coast region declined by 1.3 cents to $4.244, the smallest weekly drop. California, with the highest prices in the country, saw a slight 0.6-cent reduction to $4.733. Year over year, the West Coast saw a major drop of $1.451.