U.S. Diesel Prices Remain Above $6 After Midterm Elections

The national average price of diesel in the United States has remained above $6 per gallon for the eighth consecutive week. Although it recorded a slight decline over the past week, fuel remains nearly 68% more expensive than it was a year ago, continuing to put pressure on transportation costs and the trucking industry.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the national average price of diesel reached $6.29 per gallon for the week ending November 2, down 6 cents from the previous week. However, prices remain considerably higher than in 2025. The current price represents an increase of $2.54 per gallon compared with the same period last year.

Fuel prices in the United States remain a key concern following the November elections, particularly for carriers and consumers looking to understand how energy costs across the country will evolve.

How Much Does Diesel Cost Across Different U.S. Regions?

Although the national average price of diesel remains above $6 per gallon, all regions of the country recorded declines over the past week. California posted the largest decrease, with prices falling 7.9 cents per gallon. Despite the decline, it remains the state with the most expensive diesel, averaging $8.08 per gallon. In contrast, the Lower Atlantic region recorded the lowest average price at $5.81 per gallon.

Here are the regional diesel prices reported by the EIA:

• New England: $6.42 per gallon.
• Central Atlantic: $6.49 per gallon.
• Midwest: $6.40 per gallon.
• Gulf Coast: $5.91 per gallon.
• Rocky Mountain: $6.45 per gallon.
• West Coast, excluding California: $6.58 per gallon.

According to the Let’s Truck Driveline Fuel Calc tool, which calculates fuel prices after taxes are deducted, North Carolina has the lowest net diesel price in the country at $5.09 per gallon. California once again ranks at the opposite end of the spectrum, with a net price of $7.36 per gallon.

Freight Rates Decline for the First Time Since August

While fuel prices are posting slight declines, spot market freight rates have also begun trending downward, according to a recent article by Overdrive. During the week ending October 30, rates across the three main trucking segments—dry van, refrigerated, and flatbed—declined simultaneously for the first time since mid-August.

Data from FTR and Truckstop.com show the following changes:

• Dry van: Rates fell 2.5 cents to $2.85 per mile.
• Refrigerated: Rates declined 3.5 cents to $3.45 per mile.
• Flatbed: Rates dropped 1.6 cents to $3.31 per mile.

Companies indicated that these declines are consistent with typical seasonal patterns. Although some regions recorded increases in load volumes and rates, decreases in other markets resulted in an overall downward trend.

DAT Freight & Analytics forecasts point to moderate movements in spot rates over the next 35 days.

Will Gasoline Prices Drop in the United States After the Midterm Elections?

Although recent figures show a slight week-over-week decline in diesel prices, they do not yet represent a significant shift from the price increases recorded over the past year. For truck drivers and transportation companies, fuel costs will continue to be a major factor in operating expenses, particularly as long as diesel remains above $6 per gallon.

In the post-election environment, upcoming EIA price reports and energy market trends will help determine whether the recent declines continue or fuel prices begin rising again.

For now, the key takeaway is that diesel prices remain significantly higher than 2025 levels, while spot freight rates are experiencing seasonal adjustments and are expected to see only moderate changes in the coming weeks.