Diesel Prices Soar to Record High
U.S. diesel prices reached a record average of $5.85 per gallon on Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, according to the latest data from the American Automobile Association. The new high surpasses the previous record set in 2022 and marks a significant increase from the same period last year.
Diesel Prices Rise 55% Since Late February
The national average has climbed more than 55% since late February, when diesel averaged approximately $3.76 per gallon. AAA reported that the increase is tied to a historic oil-market shock connected to the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
The conflict has placed additional pressure on global energy supplies, including through disruptions affecting the Strait of Hormuz, a major shipping route for crude oil and refined fuels.
New Record Surpasses 2022 High
The latest average is above the previous national diesel record of nearly $5.82 per gallon, set in 2022. Diesel prices also reached about $4.74 per gallon before the 2008 financial crisis.
When adjusted for inflation, the 2008 price would equal approximately $7.20 per gallon in 2026, while the 2022 record would be about $6.56 in current dollars, based on government data cited in the report.
Higher Fuel Costs Pressure Trucking
Diesel is the primary fuel used by most heavy-duty trucks, making sustained price increases a significant operating-cost concern for carriers and owner-operators. The national average was $3.71 per gallon one year ago, according to the reported AAA data.
AAA said the average price is approaching $6 per gallon as global supply disruptions continue to affect fuel markets.
