US Diesel Prices Hit Record $6 a Gallon as Ukraine and Iran Wars Squeeze Fuel Supply

The national average retail price of diesel fuel in the United States crossed $6 per gallon for the first time ever on Thursday, September 11, driven by a supply crunch linked to two concurrent conflicts: the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, which has severely disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, and Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries, which have strained fuel exports from that region. Both GasBuddy and AAA confirmed the milestone. The current price is $2.30 higher than a year ago and surpasses the prior record set in June 2022.

The record has broad economic consequences because diesel powers the trucks, trains, ships and heavy equipment that move goods across supply chains. GasBuddy warned that rising diesel costs work their way into the price of groceries, household goods and deliveries, hitting households even if they never fill a diesel vehicle themselves. The record arrives roughly two months before November midterm elections, amplifying the political pressure on the White House.

California is experiencing an even sharper squeeze, with some stations pricing diesel above $9.99 per gallon and pump displays unable to show a price that high. GasBuddy analyst Patrick De Haan said the national average could realistically climb to $7 per gallon in the weeks ahead, adding that there are "more signs of escalation" and no signs of improvement in supply conditions.