Trucking sees diesel fuel price level off

The average retail diesel price in the U.S. rose just one cent from the week earlier to ring up as $2.23 per gallon for the week of April 6, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA). That modest rise comes on the heels of the 13-cent jump recorded the week before, suggesting that retail prices for on-highway diesel fuel have leveled off.

While $2.23 indicates a 0.32% increase over the week earlier, it also adds up to a handsome 45.11% decrease from the same week a year ago—which translates to a difference of nearly two bucks a gallon year over year.

For the week ending April 6, per EIA, the most expensive area in which to purchase diesel fuel remained New England, where it averaged $2.43 per gallon, followed closely by the Central Atlantic region, at $2.42. At $2.18, the Midwest was again the least expensive region followed by the Gulf Coast and Rocky Mountain regions, with both at $2.21.

According to Bloomberg.com today, crude oil prices have fallen for a third day ahead of a Dept. of Energy report due out tomorrow that “may show U.S. inventories rose from a 15-year high as the recession holds down fuel demand.” Bloomberg reporter Grant Smith noted that crude for May delivery fell as much as $1.13 (2.2%) to $49.92 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange.