Fuel Prices Fall Across Most of the U.S. as Summer Winds Down

National Fuel Price Trends

As summer winds down, fuel prices are declining across most of the United States, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) for the week ending August 12. The national average on-highway diesel price fell nearly a nickel to $3.754 per gallon, just 0.5 cents higher than the same week last year.

Regular gasoline prices dropped about two cents, averaging $3.118 per gallon—a decline of nearly 30 cents compared to last year’s levels.

Regional Diesel Price Breakdown

Diesel prices saw notable decreases across most U.S. regions:

• East Coast: Down 5.0 cents to $3.757 per gallon—the largest weekly drop among all regions.

• West Coast: Fell 4.8 cents to $4.492 per gallon.
  • Excluding California: $4.148 (down 4.8 cents)

  • California: $4.899 (down 5.7 cents) — remains the most expensive state average.

• Gulf Coast: Down 4.5 cents to $3.397 per gallon—the lowest regional average.

• Midwest: Dropped 4.5 cents to $3.747 per gallon.

• Rocky Mountain: Down 1.7 cents to $3.776 per gallon—the smallest weekly change.

According to AAA Motor Club, the national diesel average on August 12 stood at $3.716, down 2.2 cents from a week earlier.

Regional Gasoline Price Breakdown

Gasoline prices also fell in most regions, with one notable exception:

• Gulf Coast: Down 5.1 cents to $2.680 per gallon—the steepest weekly drop and the lowest average nationwide.

• Midwest: Fell 4.6 cents to $2.997 per gallon.

• East Coast: Down 2.2 cents to $3.005 per gallon.

• West Coast: Up 0.9 cents to $4.032 per gallon.
  • Excluding California: $3.777

  • California: $4.266

• Rocky Mountain: Up 3.2 cents to $3.159 per gallon.

Market Factors Influencing Fuel Prices

AAA noted that crude oil prices remain in the mid-$60 per barrel range, helping keep fuel prices relatively steady. Market supply remains robust, bolstered by OPEC+ production increases throughout the year. The organization recently announced another planned production boost for next month, adding to supply stability.

This balance of steady crude oil prices and increased production has helped prevent sharp spikes at the pump, even as regional variations persist due to refining capacity, transportation costs, and state fuel taxes.

If you’d like, I can also create a shorter, more conversational version of this summary tailored for your trucking audience. That would make it quicker to read while keeping all the key pricing details.

 

Source:

https://www.fleetowner.com/emissions-efficiency/article/55309220/while-diesel-prices-remain-even-to-2024-gasoline-down-30-cents-in-mid-august