Average diesel prices in the United States climbed to a record $5.9015 per gallon on Monday, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA), as disruptions to fuel supplies push energy costs higher.
The latest price is nearly 30 cents above the national average recorded a week earlier, adding pressure on industries that rely heavily on diesel, including road transportation, agriculture and construction.
The sharp increase comes amid disruptions to tanker shipments through the Strait of Hormuz following the war involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
Diesel prices have risen sharply since the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran six months ago, increasing pressure on President Donald Trump ahead of the November midterm congressional elections.
Trump has pledged to address the rising cost of living, but continued disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz have contributed to higher fuel prices across the United States.
A gallon of diesel averaged just $3.71 a year ago, meaning the latest price represents a significant increase for farmers, truckers and other diesel-dependent businesses.
Higher transportation and operating costs could ultimately be passed on to consumers through increased prices for goods and services.
Gasoline Prices Also Rise
Average prices for regular gasoline reached $4.15 per gallon on Monday, when millions of Americans typically travel by road for the Labor Day holiday.
That compares with an average of $3.20 per gallon a year ago.
Prices are even higher in some western states, with regular gasoline selling for an average of $5.86 per gallon in California and $4.54 in Arizona, according to AAA.
The continued rise in fuel prices is adding to broader concerns about household expenses and business costs as the US approaches the November midterm elections.
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