Diesel prices hit record $5.85 nationwide amid global refinery disruptions
The average cost of diesel fuel reached a new national high of $5.85 on September 4, 2026, surpassing the previous peak set in June 2022 at $5.8159. Industry experts attribute this surge to refinery shutdowns caused by conflicts in Ukraine and Iran.
Diesel fuel prices reached a new record high of $5.85 per gallon on Friday, September 4, according to AAA data. This figure exceeds the previous national average peak recorded in June 2022 at $5.8159. The price increased from $5.7832 on Thursday to reach $5.85 by Friday. Comparisons show the monthly prior average was $5.3715 and the same period last year stood at $3.7121.
Supply chain experts link these higher costs to ongoing military conflicts disrupting global oil infrastructure. Valero Chief Operating Officer Gary Simmons noted that wars in Ukraine and Iran have forced refineries offline, removing approximately 5 million barrels of daily capacity from operation. Moscow has banned diesel exports following attacks on Russian facilities, while Iranian strikes against tankers in the Strait of Hormuz damaged regional energy infrastructure.
Senate Democrat Mark Kelly stated fuel costs impact supply chains, agriculture, and food production significantly. Bob McNally emphasized that diesel usage permeates transportation, heating, agriculture, and industry more than gasoline. The price variance is notably high across regions, with California reporting costs at $7.70 per gallon.
