National diesel average rises for the 14th consecutive week, reports Energy Information Administration
Summary
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports the national average diesel price climbed for the 14th straight week. For the week of 6 April the national average was $5.643 per gallon — a $2.004 year‑on‑year increase and 24.2 cents higher than the week of 30 March ($5.401). The weekly all‑time high remains $5.783 (week of 27 June 2022). WTI crude traded at $115.96 on NYMEX, up from $103.42 a week earlier. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are cited as a major driver of recent volatility and sustained price gains.
Logistics executives and analysts quoted in the article warn the spike is already putting pressure on carriers, raising freight costs through fuel surcharges and accessorials, and threatening capacity — particularly among smaller operators with tighter cash flow.
Key Points
- National diesel average for week of 6 April: $5.643 per gallon (14th consecutive weekly increase).
- Year‑over‑year increase: $2.004 per gallon; week‑over‑week rise: +24.2 cents from $5.401.
- All‑time weekly high: $5.783 per gallon (week of 27 June 2022).
- WTI crude around $115.96, up markedly week‑on‑week — driven in part by Middle East tensions.
- Keith Prather (Armada) warns rising diesel can cause material capacity loss in trucking and broader supply‑chain disruption if volatility persists.
- Ken Adamo (DAT) notes large fleets average ~9 mpg while many contracts assume ~6.5 mpg — carriers may add $0.10–$0.15 per mile and reduce speeds to manage costs.
- Mike Regan (TranzAct) highlights increased ocean accessorials ($300–$2,000) and that fuel surcharges tied to EIA data can amplify freight costs for shippers.
Context and relevance
Diesel is a direct operating cost for road freight and influences ocean and intermodal pricing through fuel surcharges and accessorials. Sustained price rises tighten margins for carriers (especially small fleets), can reduce available capacity, and push up freight rates — all of which feed into higher logistics costs for shippers and retailers.
Given current geopolitical drivers, short‑term volatility is likely. For logistics managers this matters now: contract negotiations, fuel‑hedging strategies, surcharge clauses and capacity planning should be reviewed against the possibility of continued elevated fuel costs.
Why should I read this?
Short and blunt: diesel’s gone up again and fast. If you move freight, manage carriers, or price products, this affects your bills and capacity tomorrow. Read this to know the numbers, the supply‑chain risks, and what carriers are likely to do next.
Author note
Punchy: This is not background noise — it’s a red flag for anyone buying or selling transport. If your margins are tight, your carrier base small, or your freight contracts fixed, the detail here could save you money or a supply‑chain headache.