Diesel prices hit record highs in Texas and nationwide as fuel costs keep climbing

Diesel prices hit all-time highs both in Texas and nationwide Friday, with the national average reaching $6.1602 a gallon and the Texas average reaching $5.7727 — the highest ever recorded in each case, according to AAA.

Nationally, diesel is up 1.7% from yesterday, nearly 5% from a week ago and 15% from a month ago. It’s up more than 66% from a year ago, when the national average was $3.7029.

In Texas, diesel is up from $5.6683 yesterday, more than 5% from a week ago ($5.4868) and nearly 17% from a month ago ($4.9293). It’s up 79% from a year ago, when the state average was $3.2224.

Regular unleaded gas is also climbing but remains below its all-time high in both cases. The national average is $4.3104, up from $4.1459 a week ago; the record of $5.0165 was set June 14, 2022. The Texas average is $3.8549, up from $3.6781 a week ago; the state record of $4.6949 was set June 15, 2022.

In Kerr County, the average price for regular unleaded is $3.97, above the state average.

Mid-grade and premium gas are up as well. Statewide, they’re averaging $4.3609 and $4.7374; nationally, $4.8133 and $5.1984.

The increases trace back to a sharp jump in crude oil prices. West Texas Intermediate crude rose 6.5% to $103.57 a barrel and Brent crude rose 10.5% to $120.98 on Sept. 10, according to U.S. Energy Information Administration data — the first time crude has traded above $100 a barrel since July. Wholesale gasoline and diesel prices climbed in step that day, up 5% to 6.6% on the Gulf Coast and East Coast.

AAA attributed the spike to volatility in the Strait of Hormuz, noting the increase is unusual for this time of year, when gas demand — and prices — typically fall.