Diesel and gasoline prices drop as winter approaches, easing costs for trucking fleets

Diesel and gas prices continued to decline this week as winter looms. The national average on-highway diesel price dropped 9 cents to $3.665, according to data released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) on December 8. Gas prices dropped 5 cents to $2.940. 

What are the current diesel prices across the U.S.?

Here are this week’s diesel price highlights from each region of the U.S.:

• Rocky Mountain: The biggest drop in diesel prices this week occurred in the Rockies, where prices fell by 17 cents to $3.498.
• Midwest: In the Midwest, diesel prices dropped 12 cents to $3.635.
• Gulf Coast: Along the Gulf Coast, diesel prices dropped 9 cents to $3.327.
• West Coast: Along the West Coast, diesel prices dropped 7 cents to $4.370. Without including California, diesel prices dropped 8 cents to $3.944.
• East Coast: Off the East Coast, diesel prices dropped 6 cents to $3.729.

According to AAA Motor Club (AAA), the current national diesel price average is $3.688. This is 2 cents higher than EIA’s current estimate and 18 cents higher than this time last year.

What are the current gasoline prices across the U.S.?

The current national average on-highway gasoline price is $2.940, according to EIA, 5 cents lower than last week’s average. 

Here are this week’s gasoline price highlights from each region of the U.S.:

• Rocky Mountain: The biggest drop in gasoline prices this week occurred in the Rockies, where prices fell by 14 cents to $2.644.
• West Coast: Along the West Coast, gas prices dropped 8 cents to $3.956. Without including California, gas prices dropped 6 cents to $3.608.
• Gulf Coast: Along the Gulf Coast, gas prices dropped 6 cents to $2.493.
• East Coast: Along the East Coast, gas prices dropped 4 cents to $2.892.
• Midwest: In the Midwest, gas prices dropped 2 cents to $2.720.

According to AAA, the current national gasoline price average is $2.945. This is 0.5 cents higher than EIA’s current estimate and 7 cents lower than this time last year. 

In a recent press release, AAA said, “The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline hit a milestone this week when it dipped below $3 a gallon for the first time in four years. Since Tuesday, the national average has remained at $2.99. The last time the national average reached an even $3.00 or below was in May of 2021. Crude oil prices remain on the lower side, around $60 a barrel. Sluggish gas demand and cheaper-to-produce winter blend gasoline are also contributing to the drop at the pump.”