The national average price for a gallon of diesel fuel ticked up 2.6 cents to average $2.194 last week, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA). This marks a significant cost stabilization over the 5- and 9.8-cent jumps posted for the prior two weeks, and is consistent with EIA’s forecast.
The Lower Atlantic region saw the steepest hike, up 3.5 cents to $2.137. Bargain hunters may want to fill up in the Gulf Coast if possible, with prices at $2.13 after a 3-cent hop.
The region most in need of price relief at the pumps was the only region that posted a decline -- the West Coast. It posted a 0.8-cent dip to $2.442 and remains the most expensive region to fill up in.
An EIA economist told Fleet Owner last week that some pumps in Washington state posted diesel prices of $2.60. However, a supply of petroleum imports arriving in the region coupled with a seasonal decline in diesel demand is expected to keep prices steady in the weeks leading up to April.