U.S. diesel prices experienced a slight uptick, rising by 3.6 cents to an average of $3.494 per gallon, based on data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) released on Dec. 16. This marks the third increase since Nov. 18, with the exception of last week’s 8.2-cent decrease.

The EIA’s weekly survey showed price increases across all five regions, with the Gulf Coast recording the highest rise at 6 cents per gallon.

Year-over-Year Trends
Diesel prices are 40 cents lower compared to the same time in 2023. The Rocky Mountain region reported the most significant annual decrease, down 57.6 cents per gallon.

Regional Breakdown

East Coast (PADD 1):
The East Coast recorded a 4-cent increase, reaching an average of $3.575 per gallon, with notable variations across subregions:

  • New England (PADD 1A): Prices remained steady, dipping just 0.1 cent to $3.754 per gallon. This subregion leads in year-over-year declines, with a 60.8-cent drop.
  • Central Atlantic (PADD 1B): Prices edged up by 1.1 cents to $3.761 per gallon, reflecting a 57.5-cent decrease compared to last year.
  • Lower Atlantic (PADD 1C): A 5.5-cent jump—the highest nationwide—brought the average to $3.487 per gallon, though prices remain 30.6 cents lower than a year ago.

Midwest (PADD 2):
Diesel prices in the Midwest increased by 2.5 cents to $3.45 per gallon. While slightly higher this week, prices are still 35.6 cents lower than at the same time last year.

Gulf Coast (PADD 3):
The Gulf Coast saw the steepest weekly rise, with a 6-cent increase bringing the average to $3.19 per gallon. This region continues to offer the lowest diesel prices in the nation, down 37.9 cents year-over-year.

Rocky Mountain (PADD 4):
Prices climbed by 2.8 cents to $3.357 per gallon. Compared to 2023, the region maintains one of the largest year-over-year declines, with a 57.6-cent drop.

West Coast (PADD 5):
The West Coast average rose by 1.1 cents to $4.13 per gallon, though price trends varied within the region:

  • California: Prices fell by 2.6 cents to $4.597 per gallon, marking a year-over-year decrease of 63.4 cents, the largest nationally.
  • West Coast excluding California: Prices increased by 4.4 cents, averaging $3.726 per gallon, a year-over-year decline of 42.7 cents.

Gasoline Update

The national average gasoline price edged up by 0.8 cents to $3.016 per gallon, which is 3.7 cents less than at the same time last year.