Federal data show another U.S. diesel prices increase; ProMiles sees pace slowing

The climb of the U.S. average price per gallon of diesel continued this week, according to the Energy Information Administration.

On Monday, May 28, the EIA reported the U.S. average price per gallon of diesel cost rose 1.1 cents to $3.288. The average U.S. price has risen every week starting March 26, when the price was $3.01 per gallon.

The U.S. average price per gallon of diesel is 71.7 cents higher than a year ago.

California’s average per-gallon price for diesel fuel remains a fraction of a penny below $4, according to the EIA.

Following are the average prices by region as reported by the EIA for Monday:

• U.S. – $3.288, up 1.1 cents
• East Coast – $3.287, up 1.6 cents
• New England – $3.307, up 2.5 cents
• Central Atlantic – $3.443, up 2.3 cents
• Lower Atlantic – $3.174, up 1.1 cents
• Gulf Coast – $3.054, down one-tenth of a cent
• Rocky Mountain – $3.353, up five-tenths of a cent
• West Coast – $3.784, up 1.9 cents
• West Coast less California – $3.514, up 1.1 cents
• California – $3.997, up 2.4 cents.

ProMiles reports national average retail price for diesel remaining the same on Monday as it was a week previous. Data from ProMiles also shows smaller increases in prices by region and some small decreases.

ProMiles, the software company that maintains the websites ProMiles.com and TruckMiles.com, offers its own weekly fuel price information. The company’s fuel price data are presented in the same format used by the EIA in the agency’s weekly reports. The prices include a national average as well as regional averages, and comparisons to the previous week and the previous year.

A key difference between the EIA and ProMiles reporting is the type and number of fueling stations the company surveys in order to calculate its averages. While EIA surveys 400 truck stops and convenience stores nationwide, ProMiles uses its direct feed from thousands of truck stops to develop its averages.

Following are the average prices by region as reported by the ProMiles.com:

• U.S. – $3.29, no change
• East Coast – $3.329, up one-tenth of a cent
• New England – $3.355, up two-tenths of a cent
• Central Atlantic – $3.541, down four-tenths of a cent
• Lower Atlantic – $3.229, down 1.1 cents
• Midwest – $3.23, down 1.2 cents
• Gulf Coast – $3.122, down 1.8 cents
• Rocky Mountain – $3.409, up three-tenths of a cent
• West Coast – $3.698, down one-tenth of a cent
• West Coast less California – $3.485, up one-tenth of a cent
• California – $4.009, down seven-tenths of a cent

AAA reports a national average price per gallon for diesel fuel at $3.212 for Tuesday, May 29.

A week ago, the price was $3.188.

A month ago, AAA reported $3.063 per gallon and a year ago $2.513 per gallon.

The highest recorded average price for diesel was $4.845 per gallon on July 17, 2008, according to AAA.