From Dallas Express · Dallas Express · · 2m
Texas diesel hits record $5.96 per gallon
National average reaches $6.40 as supply strains ripple through the economy.
In brief
National average reaches $6.40 as supply strains ripple through the economy. Diesel prices have nearly doubled in a year, driven by reduced global supplies and higher international demand, with relief not expected until late 2026 or 2027. Originally reported by Dallas Express.
Texas diesel hits record high
Texas diesel averaged $5.96 per gallon on September 17, 2026, while the national average reached $6.40. A 30-gallon fill-up in Texas now costs nearly $179, about $82 more than a year earlier.
“AAA's national average reached a record $6.3956 per gallon on Thursday, September 17, or $6.40 rounded to the nearest cent.”
Prices up 85% in one year
Texas diesel cost $3.21 per gallon a year ago. The statewide average of $5.96 represents an 85% increase, with Dallas at $5.98 and Fort Worth-Arlington at $5.97.
Supply cushion is strained
The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported distillate inventories 13% below their five-year average as of September 11. Federal data shows continued production at 5.2 million barrels daily, but reserves remain below normal.
“Distillate inventories (a category that includes diesel and heating oil) were 13% below their five-year average for the week ending September 11.”
Global supply cuts driving prices
Reduced distillate supplies from the Middle East, Russia, and China have pushed up international prices. Higher global costs encourage U.S. exports, draining domestic inventories and pressuring pump prices.
Costs ripple beyond trucking
Diesel powers freight, agriculture, and construction. Higher fuel bills raise costs for moving food, delivering supplies, and completing building projects across the economy.
“Diesel powers freight transportation, agricultural equipment and construction machinery.”
Relief expected in late 2026
The Energy Information Administration expects the diesel-to-crude price gap to ease after November and decline through mid-2027. The agency forecasts national diesel averaging $4.40 in 2027, down from $5.07 in 2026.
“Its September forecast projects national retail diesel averaging $4.40 in 2027, down from $5.07 across 2026.”
Russian refinery outages extend crisis
Russian refinery shutdowns are expected to affect global markets through the first half of 2027. Fall refinery maintenance and harvest demand could add additional pressure on supplies.
“Russian refinery outages are expected to affect global markets through the first half of 2027.”
Strait of Hormuz key to relief
Improved tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is crucial for bringing more fuel to global markets. The Energy Information Administration's forecast assumes this passage opens up to ease the supply crunch.
The one thing
Diesel prices have nearly doubled in a year, driven by reduced global supplies and higher international demand, with relief not expected until late 2026 or 2027.
