What is the DOE Diesel Index?
The DOE diesel index is the U.S. government's official weekly diesel price benchmark. Published every Monday by the Energy Information Administration (EIA), it's the number most brokers and carriers use to calculate fuel surcharges.
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O TruckingDOE Diesel Index: Weekly Diesel Price for FSC
How the DOE Diesel Index Works
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), a division of the Department of Energy (DOE), surveys approximately 350+ retail diesel stations across all 50 states every week. They collect both cash and credit prices, then calculate weighted averages for the national level and five regional PADD districts.
This national average becomes the benchmark number that 93% of fuel surcharge tables reference. When a broker says “FSC is based on DOE diesel,” they mean this specific EIA weekly report. The number matters because it directly determines how much FSC you receive on every load. Freight analytics platforms like DAT also track DOE diesel trends for rate benchmarking.
Weekly Release Schedule
The DOE diesel price follows a strict weekly cycle. Understanding this timeline helps you verify that your FSC matches the correct week's pricing.
Data collection
Sunday through SaturdayEIA surveys approximately 350+ retail diesel stations across all 50 states, collecting cash and credit prices.
Report compiled
Sunday nightEIA compiles the weekly averages for national and five PADD regional diesel prices.
Report published
Monday by 5:00 PM ETThe Weekly Petroleum Status Report is released on eia.gov with national and regional averages.
FSC tables update
Monday evening or TuesdayBrokers and carriers update their fuel surcharge tables based on the new DOE diesel price.
New FSC applies
Tuesday through following MondayLoads booked during the week use the FSC rate corresponding to Monday's published DOE price.
How Brokers Use the DOE Diesel Index for FSC
Most broker FSC tables work the same way: they take the current DOE diesel price, subtract a base price (typically $1.10–$1.25), divide by an assumed MPG (typically 6.0–6.5), and that gives the per-mile fuel surcharge.
Standard FSC Formula Using DOE
(Current DOE Diesel - Base Price) ÷ MPG = FSC Per Mile
Example:
- DOE diesel: $3.65/gallon
- Base price: $1.20/gallon
- MPG assumption: 6.5
Result:
- ($3.65 - $1.20) ÷ 6.5
- = $2.45 ÷ 6.5
- = $0.377/mile FSC
For complete 2026 rate tables using this formula, see our fuel surcharge rates 2026 guide. For tips on evaluating whether a broker's FSC is fair, see our FSC negotiation guide.
PADD Districts: Regional Diesel Breakdown
The EIA reports diesel prices for five PADD (Petroleum Administration for Defense Districts) regions in addition to the national average. Regional prices can differ by $0.50–$1.00+ from the national number.
PADD 1 — East Coast
Maine to Florida, including DC
Northeast premiums of $0.15–$0.25/gal common. NY/NJ consistently above national average.
PADD 2 — Midwest
North Dakota to Kansas, east to Ohio
Generally near national average. Ethanol blending can lower prices slightly.
PADD 3 — Gulf Coast
Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, New Mexico
Lowest diesel prices nationally — near refineries. Best FSC value.
PADD 4 — Rocky Mountain
Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, Idaho
Limited refinery access means moderate to above-average prices. Mountain terrain worsens MPG.
PADD 5 — West Coast
Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Arizona, Alaska, Hawaii
Highest prices. California's LCFS adds $0.30–$0.50/gal above national average.
Negotiate Regional FSC for West Coast Loads
Historical DOE Diesel Averages
Understanding diesel price trends helps you time contract negotiations and predict FSC changes.
| Year | Avg DOE Diesel | Avg FSC/Mile | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $2.55 | $0.21 | COVID low |
| 2021 | $3.28 | $0.32 | Recovery |
| 2022 | $5.02 | $0.59 | Record high |
| 2023 | $4.21 | $0.46 | Cooling |
| 2024 | $3.88 | $0.41 | Stabilizing |
| 2025 | $3.65 | $0.38 | Moderate |
| 2026 (YTD) | $3.72 | $0.39 | Slight uptick |
DOE Diesel Index FAQ
Common questions about the EIA diesel price report and how it affects trucking
Where can I check the DOE diesel index price?
The official source is the U.S. Energy Information Administration at eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/. The national average and five regional (PADD) averages are published every Monday by 5:00 PM Eastern. You can also find the current DOE diesel price on DAT.com, Trucker Path, and most trucking industry news sites. Bookmark the EIA page — it's the number brokers use for FSC calculations.
What day of the week does the DOE diesel price update?
The EIA publishes the Weekly Petroleum Status Report every Monday, typically by 5:00 PM Eastern Time. The report covers retail diesel prices from the prior week (Sunday through Saturday). If Monday is a federal holiday, the report is delayed to Tuesday. Most broker FSC tables update Monday evening or Tuesday morning based on this report.
Why does the DOE national average differ from pump prices I see?
The DOE national average is exactly that — an average across 350+ stations in all 50 states. Individual station prices vary based on location, brand, competition, and state taxes. California alone averages $0.30–$0.50 above the national DOE number. If you primarily fuel in a high-cost region (West Coast, Northeast), the DOE average underestimates your actual fuel cost, meaning standard FSC tables may not fully cover your expenses.
What are PADD districts and why do they matter for FSC?
PADD stands for Petroleum Administration for Defense Districts — five geographic regions the EIA uses to track diesel prices. They matter because diesel prices vary significantly by region. If your FSC is based on the national average but you run primarily in PADD 5 (West Coast), you're paying $0.30–$0.80 more per gallon than the national number suggests. Some carriers negotiate regional FSC based on PADD averages instead of the national number.
We Track DOE Diesel Prices Weekly
Our dispatch team monitors the DOE diesel index every Monday and verifies that broker FSC tables match current pricing. No outdated rates, no surprises.