Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
Gas prices move up and down in response to disruptions in supply and spikes in demand. Many global events such as conflicts, sanctions or decisions by major oil producing countries can limit or create uncertainty about the supply of oil.
Gas prices are displayed at a gas station in Mount Prospect, Ill., Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
A nozzle pumps diesel into the fuel tank of bus in Orange, Calif., Tuesday, April 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)
Gas prices move up and down in response to disruptions in supply and spikes in demand. Many global events such as conflicts, sanctions or decisions by major oil producing countries can limit or create uncertainty about the supply of oil.
Gas prices are displayed at a gas station in Mount Prospect, Ill., Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Gas prices are displayed at a gas station in Mount Prospect, Ill., Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
A nozzle pumps diesel into the fuel tank of bus in Orange, Calif., Tuesday, April 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)
A nozzle pumps diesel into the fuel tank of bus in Orange, Calif., Tuesday, April 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)
CHICAGO (AP) — Diesel hit a record price in the U.S. on Friday, soaring to an average of $5.85 a gallon for the first time as the six-month war with Iran disrupts the world’s flow of fuel.
Because diesel is used for many freight and delivery networks, higher diesel prices mean higher transportation costs for a long list of everyday goods. Some businesses have already passed on costs to consumers in the form of added fees on online orders and packages in the mail. And shoppers may see more and more sticker shock trickle down to store shelves.
One of the most immediate strains is being felt in the grocery aisle, particularly with produce, meat and other perishable foods that need to be hauled in and restocked frequently — or even harvested using diesel-powered farm equipment. It can take time for all of those costs to trickle down.
Still, experts warn that price hikes could mount the longer diesel remains expensive. A range of other products are also transported by diesel trucks, trains and boats, including clothing, cosmetics and furniture.
This could add to Republicans’ political challenges ahead of November’s midterm elections, with many voters already sour on President Donald Trump’s management of the economy and fallout of the war he launched. AP-NORC polling this summer showed 2 out of 3 U.S. adults disapproved of how Trump is handling the economy.
