Diesel price jumps, ending five-week string of price drops

The national average price for a gallon of on-highway diesel increased two cents in the week ending April 20, according to the Department of Energy’s weekly report.

The increase is the first since March 9 of this year, halting a streak of five consecutive weeks of prices dropping.

The U.S.’ average price is now $2.78, which is $1.191 lower than the same week last year.

Prices increased in all regions except New England, which saw a 2.7-cent drop. The Central Atlantic region saw the least significant increase, with prices only going up by one-tenth of a cent. The West Coast less California region saw the most significant increase of 7.6 cents.

California has the country’s most expensive diesel at $3.102 per gallon, followed by the Central Atlantic division at $3.081.

The country’s cheapest diesel is in the Gulf Coast and Midwest regions at $2.659, followed by the Rocky Mountains’ at $2.713.