Price of diesel fuel surges to two-year high

The average price at the pump for a gallon of diesel fuel has reached its highest level in more than two years. Diesel fuel prices climbed five cents to $1.542 recently, according to the Energy Information Administration of the United States Department of Energy (DOE). Average prices Dec 18, 2000, were $1.545.

Potential war against Iraq and a general strike in Venezuela have triggered the price escalation.

Central Atlantic region drivers pay the most at $1.66 per gallon. In New England ($1.643) and California ($1.635), drivers also are charged more than $1.60 a gallon. In the Rocky Mountain region, drivers pay the least for fuel—$1.50 per gallon.