On-road diesel averages $3.40–$3.80 per gallon in U.S. agricultural regions in spring 2026 (EIA weekly retail data). Off-road dyed diesel runs $0.10–$0.20 below on-road.
| Product | Price | vs. 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| On-road diesel U.S. average | $3.40–$3.80/gal | +3% |
| Off-road dyed diesel | $3.20–$3.60/gal | +3% |
| Fuel cost per acre (6 gal avg) | $20.40–$22.80/acre | +3% |
Diesel is near the midpoint of the 2-year range. Pre-buy on co-op fall pre-pay discounts, but large forward purchases are not justified at current prices.
WTI crude is the primary cost driver; farm diesel tracks crude with a 6–8 week lag.
U.S. refinery utilization affects the diesel crack spread independent of crude.
Spring planting and fall harvest create regional price spikes of 5–10 cents.
Drought years reduce bushels hauled, partially offsetting fuel cost per acre.
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