Current National Average Diesel Fuel Rates [Update]

December 17, 2025

Diesel fuel prices have a major impact on auto transport rates because nearly all car carriers run on diesel-powered trucks. When diesel costs rise, the expense of running long-haul routes increases, and those costs are passed on to customers through higher shipping rates.

National Average Fuel Rates Updated Daily from: https://gasprices.aaa.com

How to Read the Fuel Cost Charts

On AAA’s Gas Prices page, diesel fuel rates are listed alongside regular, mid-grade, and premium gasoline prices. To read them, simply look for the “Diesel” column in the price chart. AAA displays the current national average at the top, followed by averages for each state. Rates are shown in dollars per gallon and update daily, making it easy to compare your state’s diesel cost to the national average or other regions. This information helps gauge how fuel prices may affect auto transport rates for your route.

Price Charts

Price Factors

What Determines Diesel Fuel Cost

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Diesel prices in the U.S. are significantly affected by several factors, including environmental regulations, state taxes, and global economic conditions. Higher taxes, especially in states like California where the diesel tax exceeds $1 per gallon, aim to promote cleaner energy use but directly increase transportation costs​. Stricter emissions standards and fees on diesel contribute to elevated prices, as compliance requires additional refining and production efforts. [1][2]

Global factors, such as OPEC's production adjustments and geopolitical tensions, also play a role. For example, supply chain disruptions and shifts in crude oil prices often translate to higher costs for diesel. These dynamics not only impact truckers but also influence broader logistics expenses, including consumer costs for goods​.

   

References

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1. https://www.breakthroughfuel.com/blog/an-overview-of-the-january-2024-diesel-tax-adjustments-by-state/
   
2. https://livetrucking.com/the-2024-diesel-dilemma-what-truckers-should-know-about-fuel-prices-and-availability/