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
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.
November 18, 2025 01:02 PM
·
Ethanol markets remain mixed — weaker production and blend rates are being partially balanced by stronger exports as winter demand patterns take shape.
November 17, 2025 01:24 PM
·
USDA released the November WASDE Report on Friday, the first supply-and-demand estimate to drop since September, just before the 43-day government shutdown.
November 14, 2025 12:22 PM
·
AFBF economist Faith Parum breaks down the potential impact of the proposed policy change to allow year-round sales of E15 biofuel.
November 13, 2025 02:34 PM
·
David Hardin with the Indiana Soybean Alliance discusses USMEF’s push to open new global export markets for both meat and soy-based feed.
November 13, 2025 01:10 PM
·
Some sustainability shifts are not particularly challenging and can be implemented with resources already available to farmers and ranchers on their operations.
November 13, 2025 01:00 PM
·
