Diesel Costs Hold Steady with Harvest in Full Swing

As input costs continue to rise, diesel prices have held steady in recent weeks, according to energy analysts at GasBuddy.

CHICAGO (RFD-TV) — As input costs continue to rise, diesel prices have held steady in recent weeks. Energy analysts at GasBuddy advise keeping an eye on some behind-the-scenes developments.

“So long as oil prices remain low, we have seen the U.S. rig count start to decline,” said Patrick Haan with GasBuddy. “In fact, the rig count is now below maintenance levels, meaning that there is the potential that the lower rig count we are seeing today will translate in time to a drop in U.S. oil production. That is something that oil companies will likely respond to the lower price of oil by cutting additional drilling.”

As of Thursday, September 25, AAA reports that the average cost of a gallon of diesel remains steady at $3.69. One year ago, that same gallon cost around $3.58. Gasoline prices are also seeing some action lately. A gallon currently costs $3.16, down from $3.21 per gallon last year.

Harvest is a diesel-hungry time of year—and while those prices could drop in the coming weeks, some states are still holding at more than $5 a gallon.

“Diesel prices… well, they’ve started to ease a little bit as well, though not as much as gasoline. Diesel prices,” Haan said. “Still, in Washington state, [diesel prices] are averaging about $5.04. That’s down about a penny in the last week. When it comes to gas prices, motorists need not be in any hurry to fill their tanks. I do expect that nine-cent decline in average prices will continue for the next couple of weeks.”

Related Stories
Experts say farmers and ethanol producers would benefit from a risk-based ILUC system that protects forests without relying on speculative modeling.
Ethanol exports are expanding on strong demand from Canada and Europe, while DDGS shipments remain broad-based and supportive for feed markets.
Elizabeth Strom of the American Society of Farm Managers & Rural Appraisers joined RFD-TV to provide the latest perspective on post-harvest business planning and cropland markets in the Midwest.
Our friend Jake Charleston at Specialty Risk Insurance joins us for an industry update.
A massive rail merger could significantly impact North American agriculture and trade flows.
Urea and phosphate see the biggest price relief from tariff exemptions, but nitrogen markets remain tight, and spring demand will still dictate pricing momentum.
Hunter Biram, an extension economist with the University of Arkansas, is tracking Mississippi River water levels as grain shippers shift their focus to transportation following the wrap-up of fall harvest.
With feed supplies running tight, producers can tap into some creative options, according to University of Pennsylvania Veterinarian and Professor Dr. Joe Bender.
Firm live cow prices and shifting dairy-side culling suggest cull cow values may stay stronger than usual this winter despite weaker cow beef cutout trends.

Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.