Save Money: Where Does Diesel Cost the Most and the Least?

Where Can You Save on Fuel?

OK truckers, here is the skinny on diesel fuel prices, what drives the price and where the cheapest fuel is. You may be surprised at what you are about to read.

Breaking it Down

When compared to gasoline, it takes less time and effort to refine diesel fuel. That might make you think that diesel should be less expensive, but it isn't. It costs almost double for marketing and distribution to get it to the pump. On top of that, you'll pay slightly more tax on diesel fuel too. Now you know why a gallon of diesel costs more than a gallon of gasoline.

The Refineries

Most diesel fuel in the U.S. is refined on or around the Gulf Coast. That means that once crude oil has been turned into diesel fuel, it can begin its journey to a truck stop or a gas station near you.

The Diesel Tree

Ok, now think of the Gulf Coast as a giant tree trunk. The easiest places to get at are traveling directly up the trunk into the middle of the U.S. That's where you will find the least expensive diesel fuel, both in the Gulf Coast region and the Midwest.

As you start to branch out, the east Coast is where diesel prices come in second to the Midwest, and they will generally be about 20 to 30 cents more per gallon there. The same holds true for the near West Coast, and you can expect diesel fuel to rival the prices on the East Coast.

California is an entirely different matter, boasting the highest diesel fuel prices across the nation, at 50 cents more per gallon than the Midwest. So, if you need to fill up, California will set you back the most.

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