US Diesel Prices Hit Record $5.85 Per Gallon

Diesel fuel prices in the United States have reached a record high of $5.85 per gallon as of Friday, September 4, 2026, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA). This surge marks a significant increase of approximately 55 percent since the U.S. began its military operations in Iran in late February. The current price surpasses the previous record of around $5.81 to $5.82 per gallon, which was set in June 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The escalating cost of diesel is attributed to a confluence of global supply chain disruptions and ongoing conflicts. The war with Iran has led to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway through which approximately 20 percent of the world's oil supply typically travels. This disruption, coupled with missile strikes damaging oil refining infrastructure in the Middle East, has tightened global fuel supplies. Adding to the pressure, the war between Russia and Ukraine continues to impact energy markets. Ukrainian attacks have damaged Russian refineries, prompting Moscow to extend its ban on diesel exports through the end of September.