Extreme Weather, Refinery Shutdowns Boost Average Diesel, Gasoline Prices

Diesel and regular gasoline prices in the United States are up compared to last week, making it more expensive to fuel school bus fleets across the country, but down when measured against costs at the pump this time in 2022.

The average cost for regular gasoline in the United States this week, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, is $3.22. That’s up 13 cents from a week earlier and down nearly 6 cents compared to a year ago.

The average cost for retail diesel is $4.58, up about 5 cents from last week and up 97 cents compared to last year.

Regular gasoline peaked around $5 per gallon on June 13, 2022. A week later, on June 20, retail diesel prices peaked at $5.81 per gallon.

Overall, regions saw gasoline prices rise week to week, but down compared to last year except for the Midwest, which was up about 2 cents. In the East Coast region, New England, and the Central Atlantic saw decreases in diesel prices of 3 and 5 cents respectively, while the Lower Atlantic area was up 8.5 cents. The Rocky Mountain region fell 1.5 cents.

Current average fuel prices by region (gasoline/diesel):

• East Coast: $3.21/$4.85
• Midwest: $3.05/$4.42
• Gulf Coast: $2.89/$4.27
• Rocky Mountain: $3.04/$4.73
• West Coast: $3.94/$5.09

According to a GasBuddy report, recent extremely cold weather resulted in refinery shutdowns that cut more than a million barrels of refining capacity, boosting wholesale prices.

“In addition,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, “China’s reopening plans gave markets inspiration that global oil demand will start to recover, as China’s nearly three-year COVID-zero policies appear to be coming to an end. While the jump at the pump will likely be temporary as most refiners get back online after cold-weather related issues, some regions like the Rockies may see more price increases than others as cold-weather shutdowns hit the region fairly hard, with one refinery likely remaining down through the first quarter of 2023. Most areas have seen the bulk of the rise already hit, but should oil continue to rally, more increases could be on the way.”

Got news for School Bus Fleet? Send your information to info@schoolbusfleet.com.