• Diesel, gas prices continue downward trend

    The U.S. diesel price decline marks 10 weeks, while gas prices have declined for nine. Diesel is nearly $1 cheaper than a year ago; gas is down 70 cents.
    Sept. 17, 2024
    3 min read
    245830569 | Vitpho | Dreamstime.com
    Diesel down to $3.53/gal. nationwide, gas falls to $3.18

    Diesel prices are continuing to spiral downward, according to the U.S. Energy Administration. This week, the U.S. on-highway diesel fuel price average hit $3.53 per gallon, dropping three cents from last week and just over a dollar from this time last year. 

    Most of the U.S. experienced this drop, except for the Rocky Mountain area, where diesel prices increased by two cents to $3.59. The biggest drop was in New England at five cents to $3.82, with the Midwest as a runner-up, dropping four cents to $3.48.

    The smallest decreases were unsurprisingly seen in the West, as prices only dropped in California by 0.6 cents to $4.73. The West Coast without California rests at $3.82 with a two-cent decrease. This means the West Coast, both including and excluding California, is still the most expensive place for diesel in the U.S. 

    See also: Fleets Explained: Emissions regulations

    However, AAA motor club is clocking the current U.S. diesel average at $3.598, noticeably higher than the EIA’s calculations. This week’s AAA average is five cents cheaper than last week’s diesel average of $3.64 and 97 cents cheaper than last year’s average of $4.565. 

    Gas prices also continue to spiral downward

    Gas prices are also continuing to fall; this week’s U.S. average is $3.180 compared to last week’s average of $3.236, with a five-cent decrease. Compared to this time last year, gas prices are 70 cents cheaper today. 

    The lowest gas price is currently in the Gulf Coast states at $2.728. Both the Rocky Mountain area and the West Coast experienced gas price increases of four cents and three cents, respectively. But without California, gas prices decreased ever so slightly. The Midwest experienced the biggest drop in gas prices at nine cents this week.

    AAA motor club’s numbers vary somewhat. According to the motor club, the current U.S. gas average is $3.203, down six cents from last week’s reported average of $3.261. Compared to the average gas price from this time last year ($3.876), gas prices are down by 67 cents. 

    “There are an ever-increasing number of states east of the Rockies that have some retail gas locations selling regular for under $3 a gallon, so drivers will have more in their wallets with autumn approaching,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson, in a press release. “Should the national average fall below $3, it will be the first time since May 2021.”

    About the Author

    Jenna Hume

    Digital Editor

    Digital Editor Jenna Hume joined FleetOwner in November of 2o23 and previously worked as a writer in the gaming industry. She has a bachelor of fine arts degree in creative writing from Truman State University and a master of fine arts degree in writing from Lindenwood University. She is currently based in Missouri. 

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