by Jessica Ingram
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The benchmark diesel price used to calculate most fuel surcharges has climbed above $5 per gallon for the first time since 2022, marking a significant shift in fuel cost trends across the freight industry. The latest reading jumped sharply week over week, pushing the national average to just over $5.07 per gallon and continuing a streak of steady increases after a prolonged period of relative stability.
This increase reflects tightening conditions in energy markets and follows multiple consecutive weeks of rising prices. Diesel, a critical input for trucking and logistics, directly impacts carrier operating costs, meaning the surge will likely translate into higher fuel surcharges for shippers. The rapid climb also follows recent volatility in global oil markets, which have contributed to upward pressure on refined fuel products like diesel.
For the supply chain, the return to $5 diesel signals renewed cost pressure after a period of easing fuel expenses. Carriers may see some relief through surcharge mechanisms, but shippers and ultimately consumers could face higher transportation costs in the months ahead if elevated diesel prices persist.
Source: John Kingston, “Diesel benchmark moves above $5/g for first time since 2022”, FreightWaves, March 2026.
https://www.freightwaves.com/news/diesel-benchmark-moves-above-5-g-for-first-time-since-2022
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