U.S. diesel prices have slipped below US$6.50 per gallon after reaching a record earlier in September. AAA’s national average stood at US$6.4709 per U.S. gallon on September 27, 2026, down from its record of US$6.5276 on September 22.
Fuel costs remain well above month-earlier levels
Despite the retreat, AAA’s average remained roughly 85 U.S. cents per gallon above its month-earlier reading of US$5.6183. Calculated from those figures, diesel was still about 15.2% more expensive than a month earlier.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration’s separate weekly on-highway diesel average reached US$6.529 per gallon for September 21, an increase of 24.4 U.S. cents from September 14. Released on September 22, that figure predates AAA’s latest daily reading. At those EIA benchmarks, an illustrative purchase of 1,000 U.S. gallons would cost US$244 more than a week earlier.
FedEx increases take effect September 28
FedEx’s published U.S. schedule lists a 29.75% fuel surcharge for Ground, Home Delivery, International Ground and pickup services for September 28 through October 4, 2026. That compares with 29% for September 21–27, with the forthcoming rate based on EIA’s September 21 diesel reading.
The company adjusts these surcharges weekly and applies them to net package rates plus specified additional charges. Its use of an earlier fuel benchmark explains why a daily pump-price decline need not immediately lower a shipping invoice. FedEx states that individual customer agreements govern surcharge calculations and adjustment frequency.
Canadian cross-border accounts face a separate increase
FedEx Canada lists a 23.75% fuel surcharge for Canada–U.S. and U.S.–Canada Ground shipments billed to Canadian accounts for September 28 through October 4. That is an increase from 23% for September 21–27; the company ties this surcharge to the U.S. weekly on-highway diesel benchmark.
These percentages are fuel add-ons, not percentage increases in the entire shipping bill. FedEx assesses the Canadian-account Ground surcharge on the net package rate and applicable transportation-related charges, making the published change directly relevant to businesses shipping across the border.
Tight supplies remain a constraint
EIA’s September 23 petroleum report showed U.S. distillate inventories 12% below the five-year average for that time of year in the week ended September 18. Stocks declined by 0.4 million barrels during the week.
In its September 9 Short-Term Energy Outlook, EIA linked higher distillate prices to reduced international refinery production and lost supplies from the Middle East, Russia and China. The agency said tight global supplies encouraged U.S. exports, while low domestic inventories contributed to higher diesel prices.
That outlook projected U.S. distillate inventories would remain below the 2021–2025 seasonal low through the remainder of 2026 and most of 2027. EIA also identified autumn refinery maintenance and harvest-season fuel demand as additional pressures; those projections remain forecasts rather than confirmed outcomes.
EIA’s next weekly gasoline and diesel price release is scheduled for September 29. It will provide the next reading in the government’s weekly diesel series, distinct from the daily averages showing the recent retreat.
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