U.S. Diesel Prices Approach $6 Per Gallon for First Time

Diesel prices in the United States have reached a national average of $5.98 per gallon as of September 10, 2026, marking a 61% increase from $3.71 a year ago, according to data from AAA. Experts indicate that this rise in diesel prices is likely to impact consumers as businesses may pass on their increased energy costs. GasBuddy reports that diesel prices have already exceeded $6 in some areas. Thomas Ryan, a senior North American economist at Capital Economics, stated that while businesses have not yet fully transferred these costs to consumers, this is expected to change if prices remain high. The Department of Labor noted that over a third of the increase in goods prices for producers in August was due to rising diesel costs, which increased by 24.1% last month. The rise in diesel prices is attributed to the ongoing conflict in Iran, which has affected global oil supply, and a global reduction in refining capacity, particularly in the Middle East and Russia. Patrick De Haan, a petroleum expert at GasBuddy, explained that the price of Brent crude rose to $108 a barrel amid escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran. Additionally, Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian energy infrastructure have further limited Russia's ability to refine oil, contributing to the price pressures. Analysts at S&P Global Energy have indicated that global oil production is not expected to return to prewar levels by the end of 2027. Experts suggest that consumers have been shielded from the impact of rising diesel prices so far due to existing contracts between retailers and suppliers. However, as these contracts are renegotiated, fuel surcharges may lead to increased prices for consumers. David Ortega, a food economist at Michigan State University, noted that grocery items requiring refrigeration and long-distance transport are particularly vulnerable to price increases. The overall impact of rising diesel prices could also extend to other sectors, including furniture and automotive sales.