US Diesel Prices by Year — Average, High & Low Since 1994

US on-highway diesel has averaged $4.80 per gallon in 2026 so far. The record weekly average is $5.81 (2022). Annual average, high and low for every year since 1994 below, from official EIA weekly data — nominal prices. For this week's prices see current diesel prices.

On-Highway Diesel by Year ($/gal, US average)

YearDiesel AvgHighLowGasoline Avg
2026 YTD 4.80 5.64 3.46 3.73
2025 3.66 3.87 3.45 3.10
2024 3.76 4.11 3.46 3.30
2023 4.21 4.63 3.77 3.52
2022 4.99 5.81 3.61 3.95
2021 3.29 3.73 2.64 3.01
2020 2.55 3.08 2.37 2.17
2019 3.06 3.17 2.97 2.60
2018 3.18 3.39 2.97 2.72
2017 2.65 2.93 2.47 2.42
2016 2.30 2.54 1.98 2.14
2015 2.71 3.14 2.24 2.43
2014 3.83 4.02 3.21 3.36
2013 3.92 4.16 3.82 3.51
2012 3.97 4.15 3.65 3.62
2011 3.84 4.12 3.33 3.52
2010 2.99 3.29 2.76 2.78
2009 2.47 2.81 2.02 2.35
2008 3.80 4.76 2.33 3.25
2007 2.89 3.44 2.41 2.80
2006 2.71 3.07 2.44 2.57
2005 2.40 3.16 1.93 2.27
2004 1.81 2.21 1.50 1.85
2003 1.51 1.77 1.42 1.56
2002 1.32 1.49 1.14 1.35
2001 1.40 1.54 1.14 1.42
2000 1.49 1.67 1.31 1.48
1999 1.12 1.30 0.95 1.14
1998 1.04 1.15 0.97 1.03
1997 1.20 1.30 1.15 1.20
1996 1.24 1.33 1.13 1.20
1995 1.11 1.14 1.09 1.11
1994 1.11 1.14 1.10 1.08

EIA weekly on-highway diesel prices averaged by calendar year, nominal dollars. See current diesel by state, gasoline history, and the heating oil futures page (diesel's wholesale benchmark).

Diesel Price History FAQ

What is the average diesel price in 2026?

US on-highway diesel has averaged $4.80 per gallon in 2026 so far, ranging from $3.46 to $5.64 (EIA weekly national averages).

What is the highest diesel price ever recorded in the US?

The record weekly national average is $5.81 per gallon, set in 2022.

Why is diesel more expensive than gasoline?

Since 2006, US diesel must be ultra-low-sulfur, which costs more to refine; federal tax on diesel is 6¢/gal higher than gasoline; and diesel competes globally with European demand and with heating oil in winter — all of which keep it above gasoline most of the time, especially in cold months.