Diesel Rises for Second Straight Week
The increase marked the second consecutive increase in the cost of the fuel -- the first back-to-back increases since the diesel prices rose for twice over a three week between Dec. 17 and Dec. 31, 2001, according to Energy Information Administration figures.
The price of gasoline also rose last week, by 0.9 cent per gallon, to stand at $1.116.
The trucking industry uses 30 billion gallons of diesel fuel a year, making changes in the price a matter of major concern. The industry also uses a significant amount of gasoline, making the price of that fuel worthy of note.
The only area where the price fell was in the California subregion of the West Coast. Drivers in the state saw diesel prices slid 0.8 cent per gallon.
The cheapest fuel prices were found along the Gulf Coast where the price was $1.126 after an increase of 0.4 cent per gallon.
Drivers in New England can claim the biggest burden from the cost of diesel fuel. In the region the average cost for a gallon of diesel was $1.29 – up 0.5 per gallon.
The EIA surveys 350 fueling stations in five regions at the start of each week, and usually reports the results on the same day that it polls the stations. Normally the report is released on Monday each week, but was delayed because of the Presidents’ Day holiday.
