Six States See Diesel Prices Reach Record Highs

Diesel prices continue to surge, with California leading the nation in the most expensive statewide average.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:20am

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A geometric abstract illustration using bold shapes and primary colors to conceptually represent the rising costs of diesel fuel and its economic impact, without any text or literal depictions.Soaring diesel costs strain businesses and households as the energy market grapples with ongoing volatility.Nevada Today

Diesel prices have reached record highs in six states - California, Hawaii, Washington, Nevada, South Carolina, and Texas - as oil prices remain elevated amid geopolitical tensions. The national average for gas prices also sits above $4 per gallon, with Hawaii setting a new record at $5.633 per gallon. Several other states are within 10 cents per gallon of their own diesel price records, while a few states like Kansas and Montana remain well below their previous highs.

Why it matters

The surge in diesel prices is a significant economic concern, as diesel fuel is essential for powering trucks, construction equipment, and other critical industries. High diesel costs can lead to increased prices for consumer goods and services, putting strain on both businesses and households. The record-setting prices in several states highlight the ongoing volatility in the energy market and the potential for further price spikes.

The details

According to AAA data, California currently has the most expensive diesel at $7.747 per gallon, the highest statewide average on record. Five other states - Hawaii, Washington, Nevada, South Carolina, and Texas - also saw diesel prices reach record highs on Thursday. Additionally, several other states, including Arizona, North Carolina, and Florida, set new diesel price records earlier this month, though their averages have since dipped slightly. The national average for gas prices sits at $4.166 per gallon, with more than half the country seeing averages above $4.

  • On Thursday, April 10, 2026, diesel prices reached record highs in six states.
  • Earlier this month, diesel prices set new records in Arizona, North Carolina, and Florida, though the averages have since declined slightly.

The players

AAA

The American Automobile Association, a federation of motor clubs throughout North America that provides various automotive and travel services.

Thierry Wizman

A strategist at Macquarie, who believes upward pressure on oil prices may be 'here to stay for a while' due to the ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran.

Kathy Bostjancic

The chief economist at Nationwide, who warned that it would take months for oil, gasoline, diesel, and other commodity supplies to return to pre-conflict levels, even if a long-lasting deal to end the war is reached.

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What they’re saying

“Even if a long-lasting deal to end the war is reached and the Strait of Hormuz is fully reopened, it would take months for oil, gasoline, diesel and other commodity supplies to snap back to prewar levels and thus for prices to settle back to preconflict levels.”

— Kathy Bostjancic, Chief Economist

“Risks remain for renewed fighting, which could cause customers worldwide to hoard whatever oil supplies they do get. That could itself keep oil off the market, much like actual fighting targeting pipelines or oil tankers.”

— Thierry Wizman, Strategist

What’s next

Analysts will continue to monitor the geopolitical situation and its impact on global oil supplies, as well as any potential deals or ceasefires that could help stabilize the energy market. Consumers and businesses will likely have to adapt to the elevated diesel and gasoline prices in the meantime.

The takeaway

The record-setting diesel prices in several states highlight the ongoing volatility in the energy market and the potential for further price spikes, which can have significant economic consequences for businesses and households. The situation underscores the need for continued investment in alternative energy sources and improved energy efficiency to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.