TRUCKING NEWS · ORYNLO Editorial
Diesel Falls 18.3 Cents: What the October 5 Benchmark Means for a Run
Published
The U.S. on-highway diesel average fell to $6.199 per gallon for the October 5, 2026 survey week, down 18.3 cents from the previous week. EIA released the figures on October 6. The averages include taxes.
The national figure does not tell the whole route story
In the same release, the Gulf Coast average was $5.819, the Midwest was $6.286 and the West Coast was $7.229 per gallon. California’s reported average was $8.082. These are regional survey estimates, not prices promised by individual truck stops.
Worked example: the same miles, a different fuel bill
Here is a hypothetical calculation, not a carrier’s reported result. A 600-mile run at 6 MPG uses 100 gallons. Applying the prior national benchmark of $6.382 gives $638.20 in diesel cost; applying $6.199 gives $619.90. The difference is $18.30 for that run, before idling or other fuel consumption.
A lower national benchmark can help a planning estimate without changing the price already paid at the pump. For an actual run, put your expected purchase price into the fuel calculator with loaded and empty miles. Keep fuel cost separate from the rest of the truck’s operating expenses.
For a surcharge, read the agreement
EIA says fuel surcharges are privately negotiated; it does not regulate or endorse a calculation method. Check the index date, base price, region and mileage in your contract before changing an invoice. A weekly market move alone does not establish what a customer owes.
The diesel tracker updates separately from this dated briefing. This article remains a record of the October 5 survey.
Sources
- EIA Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Update, released October 6, 2026.
- EIA fuel surcharge explanation.
ORYNLO Editorial publishes sourced briefings and practical analysis. We have not independently reported the agency’s inspection findings. For a correction, contact the editorial team with the source and detail to review.