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
Agronomy experts explain why standing crop residue protects soil and reduces costs for crop growers, while shredding often yields little benefit at higher costs.
Freight volatility increasingly determines export margins, making logistics costs as important as price in marketing decisions.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said permanent access to the higher ethanol blend would provide farmers with much-needed certainty while supporting domestic crop demand.
Larger grain stocks increase supply pressure, but strong fall disappearance — especially for corn and sorghum — suggests demand remains an important offset.
Record corn and sorghum crops boost feed grain supplies, while reduced soybean and cotton production tighten outlooks for oilseeds and fiber markets.
Lewis Williamson with HTS Commodities joined us to provide analysis on the January WASDE report and expectations for grain markets going forward.
Structural efficiency supports cattle prices and resilience — breaking it risks higher costs and greater volatility.
Market reaction was bearish for corn and soybeans, with analysts noting that abundant supplies amid tepid demand could keep price pressure on agricultural commodities.
Winter Weather, Drought Shape Early 2026 Farm Conditions

Agriculture Shows
Watch Rural Evening News to catch up on that day’s news surrounding agriculture and markets from across the world. Along with market news, our news staff will bring you news stories covering topics including auctions, cattle, farm equipment, ranch, real estate, and much more!
Every day, “Market Day Report” delivers “live” coverage of agri-business news, weather, and commodity market information from across the world. Our market coverage is constantly updated every half-hour, bringing you the latest on the markets.
Farm Monitor shines a light on Southeastern agriculture and is the only weekly news and information program dedicated to Georgia’s largest and most important industry: agriculture.
Check out FFA Today, a fun and fast-paced show featuring fascinating stories about amazing kids and unique agriculture industries.