Diesel Surges Another 30 Cents — National Average Hits $5.38 Per Gallon

The EIA reports a 30.4-cent weekly increase for the week ending March 23. California approaches $7 per gallon at $6.87. This is the highest price since July 2022, when the Russia-Ukraine war pushed fuel to record levels. The Iran conflict continues pressuring global energy markets.

Diesel fuel prices in the U.S. keep climbing with no end in sight. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported a 30.4-cent increase for the week ending March 23, pushing the national average to $5.38 per gallon — the highest since July 2022.

For context, during the 2022 Russia-Ukraine crisis, diesel peaked at $5.81/gal. With the ongoing Iran war disrupting global energy shipments, analysts aren't ruling out breaking that record in the coming weeks.

Regional Breakdown

California remains the most expensive state at $6.87 per gallon, approaching $7. The West Coast excluding California sits at $5.83/gal after a 47-cent jump. New England saw the largest weekly increase: 52 cents, reaching $5.76/gal.

The "cheapest" regions (relatively speaking):

• Gulf Coast: $5.13/gal
• Midwest: $5.16/gal
• Rocky Mountain: $5.17/gal
• Lower Atlantic: $5.40/gal
• Central Atlantic: $5.63/gal

Spot Market Rates Respond

According to Truckstop.com and FTR Transportation Intelligence data, spot market rates are trending upward in response to fuel costs. Fuel surcharges are adjusting, but as always, owner-operators feel the squeeze hardest before rates catch up.

How to Protect Your Bottom Line

With diesel above $5, every hour of idling costs you a fortune. An average truck burns about 1 gallon per hour at idle — that's over $5 per hour wasted. If you're an owner-operator sleeping in your cab, do the math on what you spend per night on idle alone.

This is where an APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) pays for itself. At current prices, a Go Green APU can save you over $1,000 per month in idling costs. It's the smartest investment you can make right now.

Speaking of protecting your investment: if you just bought a new truck, remember that even trucks with zero miles don't always come perfectly aligned from the factory. Before hitting the road, get it checked with a free road simulator inspection and run it through a professional alignment machine at The Truck Savers™.

Import prices rose 1.3% month-over-month according to the Labor Department, driven by petroleum and natural gas. As long as the Iran situation remains unresolved, expect diesel to keep climbing.