Diesel fuel sparked headlines when the US national average recently rose to a new all-time high above $6 per gallon. In some states, diesel prices have jumped above $8 per gallon. Where rising gasoline prices can hurt the discretionary income of consumers, diesel helps power trucks, trains, and tractors (the "3 t's") that drive many parts of the industrial economy and trickles down to most businesses.
Source: FactSet, as of September 17, 2026.