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U.S. diesel prices reach near-record highs as fuel costs surge

Surging diesel costs near $6.50 per gallon strain school districts, food banks, and broader economic inflation.

Updated Sep 25, 2026 · 20:33 UTC2 reports

The short version

  • Average nationwide diesel prices have hovered around $6.50 a gallon, nearly doubling over the past year and remaining near record levels according to AAA data.[CBS News · Scientific American]
  • The price surge heavily impacts community services, forcing higher transport costs for school districts and non-profit food distribution programs.[CBS News]
  • Economists warn that climbing fuel costs could push broader national inflation up to 3.6% by the end of the year.[CBS News]

Key facts

  • Average U.S. diesel prices hovered around $6.50 per gallon on Friday, near the record high of $6.53 set on Sept. 22 and up from $3.69 a year ago.[CBS News]
  • Gasoline prices increased approximately 40 percent over the past 12 months, whereas diesel prices nearly doubled in the same period.[Scientific American]
  • Diesel's longer hydrocarbon chains provide about 20 percent more efficiency than gasoline, according to Columbia University professor Robert Farrauto.[Scientific American]
  • Rising fuel costs could push inflation to 3.6% by year-end, according to EY-Parthenon chief economist Gregory Daco.[CBS News]
  • Cherry Creek Schools in Colorado is managing an extra $500,000 in diesel expenses, raising its total fuel budget to approximately $2 million.[CBS News]

What remains uncertain

  • The precise impact of rising fuel costs on overall inflation remains an estimate, with economists projecting year-end rates could reach 3.6%.[CBS News]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.