Despite conflicts in the Middle East and navigation diversions in the Red Sea, oil prices remain unaffected
The average diesel price has decreased for the fifth consecutive week. According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), this week’s average retail diesel price dropped by 4.6 cents, reaching $3.848 per gallon. Over the past five declines, the gallon price has fallen a total of 21.3 cents, reaching a level not seen since late January.
Average diesel prices by region in the United States during the week of May 13 are as follows:
- East Coast – $3.916
- Midwest – $3.768
- Gulf Coast – $3.559
- Rocky Mountains – $3.791
- West Coast – $4.551
- California – $5.123
- Central Atlantic – $4.155
- Lower Atlantic – $3.794

Renewable diesel and market dynamics
Despite conflicts in the Middle East and navigation diversions in the Red Sea, oil prices remain unaffected. However, market weakness is reflected in petroleum products, especially diesel, which is garnering increasing attention.
Diesel has become a primary reason behind the gradual decline in oil markets since mid-April. Recent weakness in oil is largely attributed to the diesel market, with a growing role for renewable diesel produced from non-petroleum feedstocks. Economist Philip Verleger notes that EIA data show U.S. distillate consumption down by 400,000 to 600,000 barrels per day compared to pre-pandemic levels, though this decline does not reflect renewable diesel consumption, as reported by FreightWaves.
Regulations from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have led refineries to produce more renewable diesel, reducing petroleum consumption in the country, according to Verleger. However, these trends have not been reflected in global oil demand forecasts.

In recent analyst meetings, refinery executives have highlighted the importance of renewable diesel in their operations, citing operational experience and market knowledge gained. Though the diesel crack spread has decreased over the past two months, some executives, like Valero’s Gary Simmons, argue that demand remains solid, albeit expected to be flat or slightly lower than last year, with signs of potential improvement.
Phillips 66’s Brian Mandell notes that attacks in Ukraine have affected Russia’s refining capacity, but diesel prices have been affected by warm weather in the U.S. Northeast and the end of refinery maintenance season. Product market weakness compared to crude is evident, with the Brent 3-2-1 crack spread falling to around $21 per barrel from $29 two months ago, according to CME prices.

Volvo Pushes Beyond Diesel with New Hydrogen Combustion Truck Trials
Volvo Trucks is once again taking the lead, beginning road tests with heavy trucks equipped with hydrogen combustion engines.

Trucker Fashion: A Revolution Born on the Road That Still Sets the Trend
Trucker fashion remains relevant due to its authenticity, its seamless integration into streetwear, and its reinterpretation by luxury brands, consolidating itself as a revolution born on the road that evolved from a work uniform into a global cultural symbol

North Dakota among states regaining non-domiciled CDL authority
North Dakota will reissue approximately 150 of the 526 CDLs and CLPs for non-resident drivers that were active during the FMCSA audit.

The Growing Threat of Chameleon Fleets
A CBS ‘60 Minutes’ investigation exposes the rise of ‘Chameleon Fleets’ in the U.S. trucking industry.

US transportation begins to show signs of recovery
With tonnage at record levels and rates on the rise, carriers are leading the expansion of the logistics market. If the forecasts hold true, years of uncertainty could be over.

Trump Administration Restarts California Pipeline to Lower Gasoline Prices
Under Trump, the restart of the Santa Ynez Pipeline aims to boost local crude supply and impact gasoline prices amid persistently high energy costs in California.