Diesel prices head up 1.7 cents, says EIA

Following a nearly 9 cent bump during the week of February 13, the price per gallon of diesel headed up 1.7 cents this week to $3.96 per gallon, according to the Department of Energy’s Energy Information Administration (EIA).

This is the fourth straight week and the sixth time in the last seven weeks prices have gone up. And over the past seven weeks prices have gone up a cumulative 17.7 cents, which was preceded by a cumulative 22.7 decline over the previous six weeks.

On an annual basis, the price per gallon is up 38.7 cents. This is down sharply from comparisons in the mid-80s range just a few months ago. And while prices have largely been trending down prior to this recent increase, shippers have maintained that they are forecasting for steady fuel increases in their supply chain and transportation budgets should diesel prices continue to hover near or at the $4 per gallon mark.

The EIA recently reported that in its Short-Term Energy Outlook the 2012 average for diesel is up six cents from January at $3.91 per gallon, with 2013 pegged at $3.99. The 2011 average was $3.84.

As LM has reported, 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.

The price per barrel of oil was at $106.36 on the New York Mercantile Exchange earlier today, which remains in line with prices in recent weeks fluctuating around the $100 per barrel mark.

The Associated Press reported that oil prices continue to rise amid concern that conflict over Iran’s nuclear program could lead to global crude supply disruptions.