Diesel prices inch up to highest mark since August 2008 with $0.6 cent increase

Diesel prices resumed its growth path this week, increasing $0.6 cents to $4.148 cents per gallon and remaining above the $4 per gallon mark for the seventh straight week, according to the Department of Energy’s Energy Information Administration (EIA).

The current price per gallon marks the highest level for diesel prices since hitting $4.208 per gallon the week of August 18, 2008, when diesel prices were on the way down from record highs just weeks earlier, with the week of July 14, 2008 representing the apex for diesel prices at $4.764 per gallon.

Diesel prices have been up in 12 of the last 14 weeks and have gone up a cumulative 36.5 cents during that period, according to EIA data.

As prices continue to rise, the gap in annual price per gallon comparisons continues to narrow, with this week’s price up 7 cents compared to last year. 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.

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 for oil is currently at $101.78 on the New York Mercantile Exchange. An Associated Press report noted that weak U.S. jobs figures and expectations of growing crude oil stockpiles raised the prospect that U.S. demand will remain tepid.