Diesel by the Numbers: The Fuel That Keeps Freight Moving

We talk about diesel prices all the time in logistics, but sometimes it's worth remembering just how important this fuel is to the U.S. supply chain.

Consider this number: 123 million gallons per day. That's approximately how much distillate fuel the U.S. transportation sector consumed in 2025, excluding biodiesel and renewable diesel.

Where does all that diesel come from? Mostly nearby. In 2025, U.S. refineries produced approximately 73.8 billion gallons of ultra-low sulfur diesel, compared with domestic consumption of about 59.6 billion gallons. The U.S. also imports diesel. About 2.4 billion gallons were imported in 2025, and roughly 84% of those imports came from Canada.

Right now, however, the number getting everyone's attention is the price. According to the EIA, the national average for on-highway diesel reached $6.285 per gallon for the week of September 14, a new record.

So what's the takeaway for shippers? Now is a good time for understanding your fuel surcharge programs, reducing unnecessary miles, improving shipment consolidation, and modeling different fuel-price scenarios.