Diesel Price Today in the U.S.: Why Diesel Often Costs More Than Gas
The latest U.S. national average diesel price, why diesel is often more expensive than regular gasoline, and what moves diesel prices.
Updated October 8, 2026
📊 U.S. national averages · EIA week of Nov 9, 2026
The box above shows the latest U.S. national average price for on-highway diesel from EIA. Diesel has cost more per gallon than regular gasoline for most of the past few years, and in 2026 the gap widened sharply: in early October diesel averaged about $6.20 a gallon versus about $4.35 for regular.
Why diesel is often more expensive
- Higher federal tax: 24.4¢/gal for diesel versus 18.4¢ for gasoline.
- Global demand: diesel and other distillates power trucking, farming, shipping and heating, so demand is strong worldwide.
- Ultra-low-sulfur rules add refining cost.
- Seasonality: heating-oil demand in winter competes for the same distillate supply.
Who is most affected
Diesel prices ripple through the economy because most freight moves by truck. A sustained rise in diesel tends to show up later in shipping costs and consumer prices.
Saving on diesel
Truck stops on interstates can be cheaper or more expensive than town stations depending on the chain and region — compare before filling large tanks. Calculate the cost of a fill-up with the fill-up calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Is diesel always more expensive than gas?
Not always, but it has been more expensive most of the time in recent years, partly because of its higher federal tax.