The price of diesel fuel displayed on a pump at a 7-Eleven gas station in Miami, Florida, US, on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. Photographer: Eva Marie Uzcategui/Bloomberg via Getty Images
The national average price of diesel gasoline has hit a new all-time record high in the U.S. on Friday, rising to an average of $5.85 a gallon.
The rise in diesel prices has been in line with higher fuel prices over the past six months since the start of the war with Iran. Prior to the start of the conflict, the national average for a gallon of diesel was about $3.76.
By the numbers:
The previous record high of $5.8159 was set back in June 2022, according to AAA. Last month, the average hit $5.3715 and Thursday, the price increased from $5.7832 to $5.85.
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The backstory:
The war with Iran has been disrupting global energy markets since the start. Restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz have tightened fuel supplies and pushed crude oil prices higher. Brent Crude, the international standard, has risen above $95 a barrel, as opposed to $70 before the war.
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The impact of higher diesel prices in other industries
Big picture view:
Diesel has been particularly vulnerable because it is heavily used throughout the transportation and agricultural industries. Trucking companies use diesel to move goods across the country, while farmers rely on it to operate tractors, combines and other equipment.
The higher diesel costs do not stop at the gas station. With the fuel powering other parts of the freight network, businesses face higher costs to move products from farms, factories, ports and distribution centers to stores.
Why you should care:
The rise will likely be seen by consumers through higher prices for groceries, household goods and other products. Food could also be impacted because diesel is used throughout the agricultural supply chain.
The Source: This story was written with information provided by The Associated Press and Fox News Digital. This story was reported from Orlando.