Diesel fuel prices in the United States have climbed past $6 a gallon, with the U.S. national average topping that threshold in mid-September, Reuters and U.S. Energy Information Administration data show.
Reuters reported the U.S. national average price of diesel surpassed $6 a gallon on Sept. 10, citing price tracker GasBuddy and market data that pointed to supply tightness from Middle East conflict and refinery disruptions in Europe and Russia.
The EIA’s weekly “Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Update” shows U.S. on-highway diesel averaged $6.285 per gallon for the week of Sept. 14, 2026, and regional averages ranging from about $6.03 in the Gulf Coast to more than $8.04 in California, according to the agency’s published table.
Shortfalls in supply underlie the rise: Reuters cited the EIA saying U.S. diesel inventories stood about 13% below the five-year average, and LSEG data in the Reuters story showed refining margins for diesel at a record high.
Industry analysts told Reuters that refinery outages, Russian export limits and disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz have tightened global diesel availability and pushed benchmark crude above $100 a barrel, adding pressure to pump prices.
Higher diesel fuel costs raise transport and farm input bills because diesel powers heavy trucks, trains and farm equipment, Reuters noted, and analysts warn those costs can flow through supply chains and to consumer prices.
Policymakers and companies are monitoring refining runs and inventories as refiners complete seasonal maintenance; the EIA page explains weekly retail on-highway diesel price estimates and regional breakdowns that show how prices vary across PADD regions.
For context and tracking, our reporting links to recent coverage on movements in U.S. pump prices and oil markets: GasBuddy: U.S. diesel tops $6 a gallon and Gas prices remain high in US, Reuters and AAA report.
Sources
- Reuters — reported the national average surpassed $6 and summarized supply drivers and EIA inventory data.
- U.S. Energy Information Administration — provided the weekly “Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Update” table showing on-highway diesel at $6.285/gal for the week of Sept. 14, 2026, and regional price breakdowns.
