Diesel prices continue to increase

Diesel prices headed up for the 11th straight week, heading up 0.3 cents to $4.135 per gallon, according to the Department of Energy’s Energy Information Administration (EIA).

This is the fifth consecutive week prices have been north of the $4 per gallon mark, which has not previously occurred since the week of May 14, when it was at $4.026 per gallon. And it is the highest price per gallon since the week of April 9, when it was at $4.148.

Prior to these recent gains, diesel prices sank for 12 straight weeks, falling a cumulative 50 cents during that period. On an annual basis, the price per gallon of diesel is up 27 cents. And over the past 11 weeks, prices are up a cumulative 48.7 cents.

In its recently updated short-term energy outlook, the EIA is calling for diesel prices to average $3.96 per gallon in 2012 and $3.73 in 2013, with WTI crude oil expected to hit $95.66 per barrel in 2012 and $92.63 in 2013.

Regardless of the fluctuation in diesel prices, shippers are cognizant of the impact diesel prices can have on their bottom line—for better or worse. And they continue to be proactive on that front, too, by taking steps to reduce mileage and transit lengths when possible as well as cut down on empty miles.

What’s more, shippers have repeatedly told LM they are constantly monitoring fuel prices, as they relate to freight rates and the overall costs of doing business.

And shippers continue to take steps to minimize the impact of fluctuating fuel costs. Over the years, they have maintained that this is imperative as higher diesel prices have the potential to hinder growth and increase operating costs, which will, in turn, force them to raise rates and offset the increased prices to consumers.

What’s more, due to the economics driving the increases in global oil prices, shippers really don’t have any choice in the matter, shippers say.

“Shippers will have to pay to get their goods to market even as the price of fuel increases,” a shipper told LM..“The fuel surcharge (FSC) is not necessarily an evil thing. Shippers need to [partner] with transportation and logistics services companies and realize that without an FSC these companies would not likely be able to stay in business…but shippers need to do their homework to determine what the actual costs are and what percent they should pay to carriers.”

The price per barrel of crude oil is currently trading at $96.14 on the New York Mercantile Exchange.