As the Trump Administration's war with Iran continues for the sixth month, diesel prices in the US have reached a new record of $5.85 per gallon. This surge is driven by renewed attacks in the Middle East and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which hinders fuel transport from the region.
Russia has extended its ban on diesel exports, while Ukrainian drone attacks on oil refineries have further increased pressure on the fuel market. These factors have combined to create a critical shortage of diesel fuel globally.
The impact is widespread because most heavy and medium-sized freight vehicles, including boats, trucks, trains, and delivery vans, rely on on diesel. Consequently, many businesses are passing these increased transport costs to consumers, leading to higher prices for e-commerce orders and groceries.
According to AAA, diesel is rising at a more alarming rate than gasoline. While the average US gas price is now $4.15 per gallon, up from $2.19 before the war, diesel has risen by nearly 56 percent since February, climbing from $3.75 to $5.85 per gallon as of September 4, 2026.
The Associated Press reports that the last time diesel prices were this high was in June 2022, when they averaged $5.82 per gallon during the start of the Russia-Ukraine war. However, adjusting for inflation, prices were higher during the 2008 financial crisis, when a market price of $4.74 would be around $7.20 today.
