U.S. Diesel Tops Record $6.50 a Gallon as Global Fuel Crunch Deepens

The U.S. national average diesel price rose to $6.5050 per gallon as of September 20, 2026, an all-time high, according to AAA data. The increase of more than $1 per gallon in four weeks occurred as Brent crude held near $100 a barrel and fuel supply from the Middle East and Russia remained heavily constrained. Gasoline also climbed to a national average of $4.4761 per gallon, up from $4.1044 a month earlier and $3.1894 a year ago. The record fuel costs could weigh on voter sentiment before the November midterm elections, worsen the inflation outlook and slow economic growth. The Federal Reserve raised its key interest rate last week for the first time since 2023, with Chairman Kevin Warsh saying inflation "is too high." Goldman Sachs cut its 12-month U.S. recession probability to 15% from 30% in March, though Chief Economist Jan Hatzius said another supply shock would prompt an upward revision.