US diesel prices jump 60% to record highs

US on‑highway diesel climbed to an average of $5.85 a gallon, up from $3.71 a year earlier, pushing national prices roughly 60 percent higher and setting a record for pump levels. Data showed California, a distribution and refining hub, reached $7.70 a gallon, about $2 above the national average.

Refinery outages cut 5 million b/d

Industry analysts said diesel's broad use in trucking, rail and agriculture increases the risk that pump gains will pass through to consumer prices. Higher diesel raises logistics costs for retailers and input costs for farmers and manufacturers, which can lift headline inflation measures even if crude oil stabilizes.

Markets will watch US refinery runs, inventory data and scheduled maintenance reports this month for signs of easing. Officials said a sustained recovery in processing capacity or a drop in demand would relieve pressure; if outages persist through mid‑September, price pressure is likely to intensify.

Expect attention on the week of September 14, 2026, when weekly supply and refinery output figures are due, as the next clear data point on whether the market tightness is easing or extending into the autumn.

Valero's chief operating officer Gary Simmons said conflicts have sidelined roughly 5 million barrels a day of refining capacity, a shortfall industry officials linked to the recent price surge. Data showed the national average and state highs rose as supply tightened across regional markets.