Diesel fuel news
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Diesel prices hit $5.40 a gallon in August 2026, up 53.8% since January.
The record crack spread signals a supply crunch that could squeeze trucking and consumers.
Background
Diesel prices have surged due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, and disruptions in Russian refining from Ukrainian attacks. The expiration of a US-Iran ceasefire in August 2026 added to supply fears. A record diesel crack spread—the margin between crude oil and diesel prices—reflects a global shortage of refining capacity and tight inventories.
How it unfolded
- Jan 2026On-highway diesel prices were $3.48 per gallon.
- Mar 2026Diesel futures hit $3.45, the highest since September 2024.
- Aug 2026Diesel prices surged past $5.40 a gallon, with the crack spread topping $100 a barrel for the first time.
Who’s saying what
- Analysts
- GasBuddy analyst Patrick De Haan expects prices could rise to $4.25-$4.45/gal for gasoline, but diesel is under more pressure.
- Analysts
- S&P Global's Karim Fawaz cites renewed hostilities in the Strait of Hormuz and Russian export bans as key drivers.
- Public
- A West Virginia columnist argues that 'greed' by Big Oil is a primary motivator for price fluctuations.
Still unverified
The claim that 'greed' is the primary motivator for price fluctuations is an opinion from a columnist, not verified.