Diesel and gas prices spike as national averages hit 2026 highs

As the war in Iran continues, diesel and gas prices are still rising steadily. The national average on-highway diesel price rose 30 cents to $5.375, according to data released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) on March 24. Gas prices rose 24 cents to $3.961. 

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.:

• West Coast: The biggest increase in diesel prices this week occurred off the West Coast for 45 cents to $6.130. Without including California, diesel prices rose 47 cents to $5.826.
• Rocky Mountain: In the Rockies, diesel prices rose 38 cents to $5.174.
• East Coast: Off the East Coast, diesel prices rose 38 cents to $5.480.
• Gulf Coast: Off the Gulf Coast, diesel prices rose 30 cents to $5.134.
• Midwest: In the Midwest, diesel prices rose 19 cents to $5.160. 

According to AAA Motor Club (AAA), the current national diesel price average is $5.345. This is 30 cents lower than EIA’s current estimate and $1.76 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 $3.961, according to EIA, 24 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 29 cents to $3.684. 
• West Coast: Off the West Coast, gas prices rose 28 cents to $5.262. Without including California, gas prices rose 28 cents to $4.797.
• Rocky Mountain: In the Rockies, gas prices rose 21 cents to $3.850.
• East Coast: Off the East Coast, gas prices rose 21 cents to $3.785.
• Gulf Coast: Off the Gulf Coast, gas prices rose 19 cents to $3.604.

According to AAA, the current national gasoline price average is $3.977. This is 2 cents higher than EIA’s current estimate and 85 cents higher than this time last year.

In a recent press release, AAA stated: “With the Spring equinox ushering in warmer weather and more time on the road, gas prices are trending upward alongside seasonal demand. Last week’s announcement by the White House to release 172 million barrels of oil from the U.S. strategic reserves over four months has no immediate relief on the oil market as the price of a barrel of crude continues to climb.”