Rocky Mountain fuel costs climb while other U.S. regions see diesel and gas declines

In spite of small dips this week, diesel and gas prices remain high as summer approaches. The national average on-highway diesel price dropped 4 cents to $5.596, according to data released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) on May 19. Gas prices dropped 1 cent to $4.490.

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.:

• Midwest: The biggest drop in diesel prices this week occurred in the Midwest, falling by 7 cents to $5.749.
• East Coast: Along the East Coast, diesel prices dropped 5 cents to $5.420.
• West Coast: Along the West Coast, diesel prices dropped 4 cents to $6.524. Without including California, diesel prices rose 2 cents to $5.920.
• Gulf Coast: Along the Gulf Coast, diesel prices dropped 3 cents to $5.122.
• Rocky Mountain: In the Rockies, diesel prices rose 6 cents to $5.549.

According to AAA Motor Club (AAA), the current national diesel price average is $5.650. This is 5 cents higher than EIA’s current estimate and $2.12 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 $4.490, according to EIA, 1 cent lower than last week’s average. 

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

• East Coast: The biggest drop in gasoline prices this week occurred along the East Coast, falling by 3 cents to $4.305.
• West Coast: Along the West Coast, gas prices dropped 1 cent to $5.605. Without including California, gas prices dropped 0.3 cents to $5.186.
• Midwest: In the Midwest, gas prices dropped 1 cent to $4.399.
• Gulf Coast: Along the Gulf Coast, gas prices dropped 0.2 cents to $3.951.
• Rocky Mountain: In the Rockies, gas prices rose 22 cents to $4.587.

According to AAA, the current national gasoline price average is $4.533. This is 4 cents higher than EIA’s current estimate and $1.35 higher than this time last year. 

In a recent press release, AAA stated, “After five straight days of declines earlier this week, the national average is once again on its way back up. Today’s national average is a couple cents lower than last week, but with crude oil prices hovering in the $100/barrel range, pump prices remain elevated … Travelers are preparing to hit the road in record numbers next week, and drivers will be facing the highest Memorial Day gas prices in four years.”