NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD NEWS) — Diesel prices fell for a second straight week, giving farmers and freight users a little short-term relief. That matters because fuel costs affect fieldwork, trucking, grain hauling, and nearly every part of the supply chain.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the national average diesel price was $5.403 per gallon for the week ending April 20. That was down 20.5 cents from the previous week, the largest weekly drop since December 2022.
Even with the recent break, diesel remains far above year-ago levels. The national average was still 186.9 cents per gallon higher than the same week last year. Over the last two weeks, diesel has fallen 24 cents after rising for 12 consecutive weeks.
The broader outlook still points higher. EIA projects Brent crude oil will average $115 per barrel in the second quarter of 2026, then ease later. For the full year, Brent is projected to average $96 per barrel, sharply above 2025 levels.
EIA also projects diesel will average $4.80 per gallon in 2026. Officials said higher crude prices, tight global diesel supplies, and low U.S. inventories are keeping pressure on fuel markets.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Diesel has eased for now, but the larger 2026 energy outlook still points to elevated fuel costs.
Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Specialist
Year-round E15 remains on the table, but procedural caution and competing regional interests pushed action into a slower, negotiated path.
January 26, 2026 01:33 PM
·
Strong production and rising stocks may pressure ethanol margins unless demand or exports continue to improve.
January 26, 2026 10:00 AM
·
Without additional support, many soybean operations will continue to face financial stress as they prepare for the 2026 crop.
January 26, 2026 09:41 AM
·
Placements and marketings beat expectations, but declining on-feed totals and feeder constraints keep the supply story supportive for cattle prices into 2026. Dr. Derrell Peel, with Oklahoma State University, joined us to break down cattle-on-feed numbers and provide his broader market outlook.
January 23, 2026 04:40 PM
·
Americans for Prosperity Arkansas Director Ryan Norris talks energy infrastructure, regulatory reform, and the role of critical minerals in supporting rural America.
January 23, 2026 01:54 PM
·
Congressman Adrian Smith of Nebraska joined us with the latest on efforts to secure year-round E15 sales.
January 23, 2026 01:12 PM
·
