Diesel prices inch upward

The U.S. national average diesel price increased by a cool penny in the week ending Sept. 17, according to the Department of Energy. The slight increase brings the U.S.’ average price for a gallon of on-highway diesel to $3.268. Fuel prices have fluctuated between $3.20 and $3.30 since mid-May.

Prices increased in all regions during the most recent week except in the Rocky Mountain region, which saw a four-tenths of a cent decrease. The most significant increase seen during the week was in the Gulf Coast region, which jumped 1.7 cents.

California’s prices have been creeping closer to the $4 a gallon mark, and now stand at $3.979 per gallon, followed by the West Coast less California region at $3.473 per gallon.

The cheapest fuel can be found in the Gulf Coast region at $3.056 per gallon, followed by the Lower Atlantic region at $3.135 per gallon.

Prices in other regions, according to DOE, are:

• New England – $3.267
• Central Atlantic – $3.415
• Midwest – $3.208
• Rocky Mountain – $3.363