The U.S. national average price of diesel surpassed $6 per gallon (3.8 liters) on Thursday, crossing a historic threshold as geopolitical conflicts started by the Trump administration restrict global fuel supply and distribution.

The increase stems directly from the U.S. and Israeli military offensive against Iran launched in late February, which prompted Tehran to interrupt maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz as a punitive measure. The market has also been pressured by Russia’s ban on diesel exports, imposed while several refineries remain inactive after repeated Ukrainian drone attacks.

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Crude futures once again exceeded $100 per barrel, reaching their highest levels since mid-May. Brent crude closed at $107.63 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate futures stood at $102.48 per barrel. Diesel prices in the United States have risen nearly 60% since the attacks on Iran, affecting trucks, trains, ships, heavy machinery and agricultural instruments essential for food production.

Patrick De Haan, an analyst at GasBuddy, said on X that every truck, delivery, package and purchase has just become more expensive, warning that the escalation will reignite inflation throughout the national supply chain.

Alex Ryan, energy director at Kansas-based supplier Oasis Energy, warned about the severity of the situation, saying that in five months diesel prices have more than doubled and shaken cash flows. He said there must be a turning point but added that he does not know when or where it will be.

HISTORY: diesel has crossed $6/gal nationally for the first time ever, according to live GasBuddy data. every truck, every delivery, every package, every grocery run just got more expensive. the cost of moving everything in america just hit a record. Statement (9/10/26, 3p CT) pic.twitter.com/zijqu6vD9i

— Patrick De Haan (@GasBuddyGuy) September 10, 2026

Arthur Erickson, CEO of agricultural drone company Hylio, said producers and ranchers are mired in frustration after enduring a chain of cost shocks that drove up operating expenses while crop prices fall.

According to the Energy Information Administration, U.S. diesel inventories are 13% below their five-year average at 106.3 million barrels. Stocks rose last week as refineries ran plants at full speed to capture solid margins, and distillate inventories remain near multi-decade lows for this time of year even with high utilization rates.

The economic fallout and rising cost of living have opened a critical political flank for President Donald Trump and Republican lawmakers ahead of November’s midterm elections. A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll found the Democratic Party holds an eight-point advantage over Republicans in public perception of handling the economy and the cost of living. Trump admitted Wednesday that real relief in fuel prices could be delayed until after the elections.

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