Record High Fuel Costs
U.S. Diesel Prices Hit Record $6.23 Amid Global Tensions and Conflict
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A Virginia tree-service owner said diesel costs are being passed directly to customers while reducing his profit: “We’re making less than ever.” He said filling his work truck cost $170.
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The Texas figures varied significantly by region: regular gasoline averaged $4.22 per gallon in El Paso County but $3.76 in Harris County, which includes Houston.
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The Transportation Energy Institute warned that diesel spikes during planting or harvest can compound food inflation, because farmers face higher operating expenses as well as increased costs to transport crops to processors and grocery stores.
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Russia has continued attacking Ukraine’s power infrastructure, damaging the country’s electrical grid and heating systems, particularly during winter, even as Kyiv targets Russian oil facilities.
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AAA said Michigan’s average diesel price was $6.15 per gallon, just below the state record of $6.20 set in May; regular gasoline there averaged $4.32 per gallon, up $1.04 from a year earlier.
U.S. diesel prices hit a record $6.23 per gallon on September 14, climbing more than 80 cents in one month and roughly $2.54 from a year earlier GasBuddy. The surge stems from global tensions, refinery disruptions tied to the Ukraine-Russia conflict, and shipping route instability in the Middle East. President Trump blamed Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries and urged Kyiv to halt strikes, though neither Ukraine nor Russia has confirmed an agreement to stop Reuters.
Record Diesel Prices Across Major U.S. States
Diesel costs soared to $6.16 per gallon in Virginia, $6.15 in Michigan, and $5.83 in Texas, according to AAA. Michigan's price sits just below its May record of $6.20. Regular gasoline also climbed nationally, reaching $4.32 per gallon in Michigan — up $1.04 from a year earlier AAA. Regional variation is sharp: regular gasoline averaged $4.22 in El Paso County, Texas, but only $3.76 in Harris County, which includes Houston.
Trump Pushes Ukraine to Halt Refinery Strikes
President Trump blamed Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries for worsening global fuel supplies and called on Kyiv to stop AP News. Trump claimed Moscow and Kyiv had agreed to halt such strikes, but neither side has confirmed the deal. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine would consider a pause only with credible Russian guarantees, arguing the attacks weaken Russia's war effort AP News.
Diesel Surge Will Ripple Through Consumer Prices
Higher diesel costs hit trucking, farming, delivery, and construction hard. A Virginia tree-service owner said fuel prices are cutting his profit: "We're making less than ever." He paid $170 to fill his work truck Local Business News. The Transportation Energy Institute warned that diesel spikes during planting or harvest compound food inflation, since farmers face both higher operating costs and increased transport expenses to move crops to processors and stores Transportation Energy Institute.
Russian Refineries and Middle East Routes Fueling Shortage
Russia has suspended diesel exports amid domestic shortages, removing a major supply source from global markets Reuters. Broader disruptions from the Ukraine conflict, attacks on energy infrastructure, and instability in key Middle Eastern shipping routes are also driving prices up. Refineries convert crude oil into usable diesel; disrupting them removes refined product supply even when crude oil remains available Energy Institute. These overlapping pressures force buyers to compete for limited cargoes, raising shipping and replacement costs worldwide.
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