News · Insurance & risk
Diesel Prices Drop: Gulf Coast Down 22 Cents a Gallon
Diesel prices drop: the U.S. average fell almost 15 cents and the Gulf Coast, which includes Texas, fell 22 cents, the EIA says.
Questions about how this affects your trucks? Talk to a licensed agent who ran his own authority.
What happened
Diesel prices dropped this week. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA, the federal office that tracks fuel prices) posts the average price of diesel every week. Its latest number, for Sept. 28, 2026, shows a real drop.
The national average fell to $6.382 a gallon. The week before it was $6.529. That is almost 15 cents less per gallon.
The Gulf Coast had the biggest drop of any region. The Gulf Coast region includes Texas. There, diesel fell from $6.177 to $5.955 a gallon. That is 22 cents less.
Almost every region went down. The Midwest fell about 15 cents to $6.526. California fell a little to $8.181. Only the Rocky Mountain region went up, by about 7 cents, to $6.407.
The Trucker reported that this is only the second weekly drop since late February. It comes right after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott declared a statewide disaster over diesel prices on Sept. 28.
What it means for owner-operators
Fuel is one of your biggest costs. A drop of 22 cents a gallon adds up fast. The exact savings depend on how many gallons you buy each week. Check your own fuel receipts to see what it means for you.
Prices are still very high. One good week does not mean the problem is over. Prices can go up again just as fast. So treat this as a little breathing room, not a new normal.
Use the extra room wisely. When money is tight, some drivers cut corners on maintenance or skip paying bills on time. Those choices can cost you more later, especially if they lead to a breakdown or a lapse in your paperwork.
What to do next
- Compare this week's fuel receipts with last week's. Know your real cost per mile.
- Buy fuel where the price is lower, when your route allows it.
- Put part of the savings aside for repairs and slow weeks.
- Keep your truck in good shape. Tires, brakes and lights keep you safe and out of trouble at inspections.
- Look at your whole budget, including your insurance. Our guide on trucking insurance coverage explained shows what each coverage does, so you know what you are paying for.
- Have questions about your policy or a certificate for a broker? Call us.
Original report
Written by TCZ Insurance Agency in our own words. Read the original for the full story.