Diesel, gas prices drop after hurricane uptick

After an uptick last week, diesel and gas prices are down this week, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The national average for diesel fuel prices decreased by 8 cents to $3.553 per gallon, 99 cents cheaper than this time last year. 

This decrease in diesel prices was echoed across most of the U.S. this week. The biggest decrease was seen in the Gulf Coast, as diesel dropped 14 cents to $3.199. The Midwest saw a drop of 11 cents to $3.543, and the West Coast dropped 6 cents to $4.210.

However, two U.S. regions saw minimal diesel price increases: the East Coast rose 0.4 cents to $3.590, and the Rocky Mountain region is up 1/10th of a cent to $3.636. Overall, the Gulf Coast is the cheapest region in the U.S. for diesel this week, while the West Coast, especially California, is the most expensive region for diesel this week. 

AAA motor club is measuring the current national diesel fuel prices average at $3.590, 4 cents higher than EIA’s current average. Compared to a year ago, AAA’s average is down by 90 cents. 

See also: Diesel price average reaches $3.63/gal, gas $3.17/gal, storm impact fleeting

Gas prices drop to $3.144 per gallon

Gasoline prices also fell this week to a national average of $3.144 per gallon, decreasing by 3 cents since last week. This average is 39 cents less than this time last year, according to EIA. 

The most significant drop was seen in the Midwest, down 9 cents to $3.006. The Rocky Mountain region decreased by 4 cents to $3.221, the Gulf Coast dropped 2 cents to $2.720, and the West Coast dropped only 1 cent to $4.034. 

The only increase in gas prices this week was seen on the East Coast by 1 cent to $3.054, mostly due to a 5 cent increase in the Lower Atlantic region. Other parts of the East Coast saw decreases in gas prices. 

AAA motor club is currently measuring the national gasoline price average at $3.163, 2 cents higher than EIA’s average. Compared to a year ago, AAA’s average is down by 39 cents.