Diesel and gasoline costs climb as summer-blend production begins

With unrest increasing in the Middle East, diesel and gas prices continue to climb. The national average on-highway diesel price rose 9 cents to $3.897, according to data released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) on March 3. Gas prices rose 8 cents to $3.015. 

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.:

• Gulf Coast: The biggest increase in diesel prices this week occurred along the Gulf Coast for 11 cents to $3.598.
• Midwest: In the Midwest, diesel prices rose 9 cents to $3.888.
• East Coast: Along the East Coast, diesel prices rose 8 cents to $3.924.
• West Coast: Along the West Coast, diesel prices rose 7 cents to $4.534. Without including California, diesel prices rose 9 cents to $4.138.
• Rocky Mountain: In the Rockies, diesel prices rose 5 cents to $3.737.

According to AAA Motor Club (AAA), the current national diesel price average is $3.891. This is 1 cent lower than EIA’s current estimate and 24 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 $3.015, according to EIA, 8 cents higher than last week’s average. 

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

• Midwest: The biggest increase in gasoline prices this week occurred in the Midwest for 12 cents to $2.794. 
• Gulf Coast: Along the Gulf Coast, gas prices rose 11 cents to $2.644.
• Rocky Mountain: In the Rockies, gas prices rose 10 cents to $2.758.
• West Coast: Along the West Coast, gas prices rose 5 cents to $4.160. Without including California, gas prices rose 7 cents to $3.791.
• East Coast: Along the East Coast, gas prices rose 5 cents to $2.882.

According to AAA, the current national gasoline price average is $3.109. This is 9 cents higher than EIA’s current estimate and 1 cent higher than this time last year. 

In a recent press release, AAA stated: "Refineries are beginning the process of producing summer-blend gasoline, which contains pricier additives to help reduce evaporation during warmer months. Gas demand is also expected to increase next month as spring break season kicks off and more drivers take road trips."