Fuel price volatility continues as diesel and gasoline averages tick upward

Diesel and gas prices continue to rise but at a slower pace. In some regions of the U.S., diesel and gas prices even declined. The national average on-highway diesel price rose 3 cents to $5.401, according to data released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) on March 31. Gas prices rose 3 cents to $3.990. 

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 along the West Coast for 29 cents to $6.596. Without including California, diesel prices rose 23 cents to $6.056.
• Rocky Mountain: In the Rockies, diesel prices rose 10 cents to $5.270.
• East Coast: Along the East Coast, diesel prices rose 6 cents to $5.535.
• Gulf Coast: Along the Gulf Coast, diesel prices dropped 3 cents to $5.105.
• Midwest: In the Midwest, diesel prices dropped 6 cents to $5.105. 

According to AAA Motor Club (AAA), the current national diesel price average is $5.454. This is 5 cents higher than EIA’s current estimate and $1.86 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 $3.990, according to EIA, 3 cents higher than last week’s average. 

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

• West Coast: The biggest increase in gasoline prices this week occurred along the West Coast for 7 cents to $5.344. Without including California, gas prices rose 8 cents to $4.875.
• Rocky Mountain: In the Rockies, gas prices rose 7 cents to $3.917.
• East Coast: Along the East Coast, gas prices rose 3 cents to $3.814.
• Midwest: In the Midwest, gas prices rose 3 cents to $3.709.
• Gulf Coast: Along the Gulf Coast, gas prices dropped 1 cent to $3.590.

According to AAA, the current national gasoline price average is $4.018. This is 3 cents higher than EIA’s current estimate and 85 cents higher than this time last year. 

In a recent press release, AAA stated: “Crude oil prices remain high as the Iran conflict nears the four-week mark. The national average could reach $4/gallon in the coming days for the first time since August 2022. Gasoline demand is also on the rise as spring break season continues, another factor in surging pump prices.”