Texans filling up trucks this week faced the highest diesel prices on record. AAA reported a statewide average of $5.9604 per gallon on Thursday, September 17, up from $3.2139 a year earlier – an increase of roughly 85%.
Local impact in Dallas‑Fort Worth
Dallas posted an average of $5.9846 per gallon, while the Fort Worth‑Arlington market was slightly lower at $5.9717. Drivers at an Interstate 20 truck stop on September 15 said diesel was already $6.25, and some expressed concern about affordability.
National context
Across the United States, the average diesel price reached a record $6.40 per gallon, according to AAA’s national data. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) noted that distillate inventories – which include diesel and heating oil – were 13% below their five‑year average for the week ending September 11.
Weekly EIA surveys showed diesel prices rising from $5.60 on August 31 to $6.29 on September 14, reflecting tighter supplies and higher international demand.
Why prices are climbing
The EIA attributes the squeeze to reduced distillate output from the Middle East, Russia and China, combined with strong U.S. export activity that draws fuel away from domestic inventories. Seasonal refinery maintenance and increased demand for harvest‑season equipment also add pressure.
Looking ahead, the agency forecasts the spread between diesel and crude oil prices to narrow after November, with national retail diesel projected to average $4.40 in 2027, down from $5.07 in 2026. These are full‑year estimates and not guaranteed pump prices.
What this means for Texas families and businesses
Higher diesel costs affect freight transportation, agricultural machinery and construction equipment, potentially raising the price of food, supplies and building projects. While the outlook suggests gradual relief as inventories recover, Texans should monitor local pump prices and plan budgets accordingly.
Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.
