By Maria Kalamatas | The Logistic News | April 2, 2025
The national average price of diesel fuel continued its upward trend for the second consecutive week, climbing to $3.592 per gallon, according to the latest data released by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Information Administration (EIA).
The 2.5-cent increase recorded for the week of March 31 follows a 1.8-cent gain during the previous week, marking a cumulative rise of 4.3 cents over the past two weeks. This upward movement comes on the heels of a three-week decline, during which diesel prices fell a total of 14.8 cents.
Diesel Price Fluctuations Reflect Market Instability
Recent diesel price patterns reflect the inherent volatility of fuel markets. From early February to late March, diesel prices have oscillated between modest gains and notable drops, illustrating the ongoing impact of global oil dynamics, seasonal demand shifts, and geopolitical uncertainties.
The three weeks of decline earlier in March included:
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A 6.2-cent drop (week of March 3)
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A 5.3-cent dip (week of March 10)
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A 3.3-cent decrease (week of March 17)
These reductions had briefly brought the national average down to $3.549 per gallon, before the current rebound began.
Prior to the March decline, diesel prices had seen a steady four-week rise, with small but consistent gains totaling 3.7 cents, dating back to February 3. That stretch included:
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A 0.001-cent uptick (Feb 3)
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A 0.005-cent rise (Feb 10)
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A 1.2-cent increase (Feb 17)
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A 2.0-cent gain (Feb 24)
Annual Comparison: A Noticeable Decline
Despite the recent upward shift, diesel prices are still 40.4 cents lower than they were a year ago—though the year-over-year gap has narrowed, as last week’s comparisons showed decreases of 46.7 cents and 47.9 cents, respectively.
This annual decline offers some cost relief to sectors heavily reliant on diesel, such as freight and transportation, but analysts warn that further increases could be on the horizon if crude prices remain elevated or global supply chains face further disruption.
Crude Oil Prices Back on the Rise
West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil is currently trading at $71.75 per barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, up from $69.93 a week earlier. This uptick signals a potential increase in future refined fuel costs, especially if global demand continues to recover through spring and summer.
Rising crude prices often trickle down to the diesel market, particularly as refiners adjust output to meet seasonal gasoline demand increases, potentially tightening diesel supply.
Implications for the Freight Industry
For logistics operators, especially those managing large truck fleets, even marginal increases in diesel prices can significantly affect profit margins and pricing strategies. Companies across the freight, agriculture, and construction sectors are once again monitoring energy costs closely as they factor fuel surcharges and delivery costs into their contracts.
If the upward trajectory continues into April, it could prompt renewed pressure on logistics budgets and operational costs throughout Q2.
Maria Kalamatas is a transportation and energy markets correspondent for The Logistic News. She covers developments in fuel pricing, freight economics, and logistics policy across global markets.
