Despite the first increase in four weeks, diesel prices in 2017 continue to hover in near their 2016 closing amount.
The average U.S. retail pump price for diesel was up 2.4 cents, coming in at $2.556 in the April 3 update by the Energy Information Administration (EIA). That’s still 3 cents cheaper than the Jan. 2 report, but 44.1 cents higher than this time last year.
Prices rose in every region.
On the East Coast, prices were up 1.9 cents on average, coming in at $2.63 in New England, $2.739 in the Central Atlantic, and $2.505 in the Lower Atlantic.
On the West Coast, less California, diesel registered a 3.2-cent increase to $2.735 while California posted a 0.4 cent price bump, to $2.923, the highest price in the lower 48 states.
Diesel was up 2.6 cents in the Rocky Mountains ($2.623), while the price for a gallon in the Midwest rose 2.3 cents ($2.481).
The Gulf Coast saw an increase of a 3.6 cents, to $2.414—the lowest price for a gallon in the country.
The national average price for gasoline was up 4.5 cents for the week, to $2.36. That’s 27.7 cents higher than last year.
About the Author
Kevin Jones
Editor
Kevin has served as editor-in-chief of Trailer/Body Builders magazine since 2017—just the third editor in the magazine’s 60 years. He is also editorial director for Endeavor Business Media’s Commercial Vehicle group, which includes FleetOwner, Bulk Transporter, Refrigerated Transporter, American Trucker, and Fleet Maintenance magazines and websites.
Working from Beaufort, S.C., Kevin has covered trucking and manufacturing for nearly 20 years. His writing and commentary about the trucking industry and, previously, business and government, has been recognized with numerous state, regional, and national journalism awards.