After three weeks of stability in diesel prices, the week of February 13 has brought a notable increase in fuel costs across the United States. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the national average price of on-road diesel reached $4.109 per gallon. While this figure is 33 cents lower than last year´s period, it marks a significant 21-cent increase from the previous week, surpassing the $4 per gallon mark for the first time since December 2023.

This increase was not exclusive to one region, affecting all areas of the country, each experiencing more pronounced hikes than in previous weeks. While the New England subregion recorded the smallest increase, with an additional 2 cents per gallon, reaching $4.350, California was the least affected at the state level, with a 12-cent rise to $5.250 per gallon. However, the Midwest led the surge with a significant 30-cent increase, pushing diesel costs to $4.042 per gallon.

Despite these increases, the Rocky Mountains stand out as the most economical region to purchase diesel, at $3.806 per gallon, surpassing the Gulf Coast by 6 cents. On the other hand, California remains the most expensive region, with $5.250 per gallon.

Figures reported by the AAA auto club show a slightly lower price, $4.004 per gallon, more affordable than EIA records and only 7 cents above last week´s average. This price remains below last year´s rates, which reached $4.563 per gallon.

Speculation suggests that this price hike could result from decreased oil production in the United States, which dropped to 12.6 million barrels per day in January due to adverse weather conditions. Additionally, ongoing disruptions in the Middle East and attacks on ships in the Red Sea could drive crude oil prices above $80 per barrel, according to the latest Short-Term Energy Outlook from the EIA.