The national average price of diesel rose slightly by half a cent per gallon during the week ending September 30, reaching $3.544, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. This marks the second week in a row of small increases, following a 1.3-cent rise the previous week.

Yearly Comparison The current national average is $1.049 lower than the same time last year, continuing a steady trend of price decreases compared to 2023.

Gasoline Update

Meanwhile, the national average price for a gallon of gasoline fell by 0.6 cents to $3.179. This is 61.9 cents lower than it was at the same time last year.

Regional Breakdown

In the Gulf Coast region, prices increased the most this week, rising by 2.1 cents to $3.212 per gallon. On the West Coast, prices dropped the most, with a 1.3-cent decrease to $4.226 per gallon.

East Coast (PADD 1): Diesel prices in the East Coast region dropped by 0.6 cents, bringing the average to $3.571 per gallon. Each of the subregions showed slight declines:

  • New England (PADD 1A): Prices fell by 0.9 cents to $3.788 per gallon, supported by a stable supply chain and lower heating oil demand.
  • Central Atlantic (PADD 1B): This area saw a 0.11-cent decrease, bringing prices to $3.802 per gallon, which is 95.7 cents lower than the same time last year, one of the biggest annual declines in the region.
  • Lower Atlantic (PADD 1C): Prices dipped by 0.4 cents, ending the week at $3.463 per gallon. Year over year, this subregion saw a drop of 99.2 cents, reflecting improved distribution efficiency and steady import levels.

Midwest (PADD 2): Diesel prices in the Midwest rose by 0.9 cents, reaching $3.520 per gallon, the second-highest regional increase after the Gulf Coast. The rise could reflect increased agricultural demand during harvest season. However, prices remain 92.9 cents lower than the same time last year, aligning with the national trend of declining prices and a stable supply outlook.

Gulf Coast (PADD 3): The Gulf Coast saw the largest price jump this week, with diesel rising 2.1 cents to $3.212 per gallon. The region’s consistently lower prices are due to its proximity to major refining centers and strong local supply. Year-over-year, prices are down $1.067, the second-largest drop across all regions, providing continued cost relief for carriers.

Rocky Mountain (PADD 4): Prices in the Rocky Mountain region increased slightly by 0.4 cents, bringing the average to $3.612 per gallon. The region has seen minimal price fluctuations recently, with prices $1.166 lower than the same week last year. This stability is largely due to the region’s isolation from the broader U.S. diesel distribution network, which reduces volatility.

West Coast (PADD 5): The West Coast experienced the biggest price drop this week, with diesel decreasing by 1.3 cents to $4.226 per gallon. Within this region:

  • Prices on the West Coast excluding California fell by 1.8 cents to $3.797 per gallon, down $1.393 from last year.
  • In California, where diesel prices remain the highest in the nation, there was a slight drop of 0.8 cents to $4.719 per gallon. This represents a $1.55 decline compared to the same week last year, reflecting better supply conditions and lower refining costs.

Outlook: While recent weeks have seen a slight uptick in prices, the overall trend points to stability or even slight declines in the long term, as demand is expected to soften with the approach of fall and winter.