US diesel prices have surged 77% in 2026, pressuring transportation margins for companies like Norfolk Southern as supply chain disruptions and geopolitical conflicts keep energy costs elevated.
Diesel prices keep climbing, up more than 77% in 2026, squeezed by shrinking domestic inventories and strong export demand.
National gasoline prices rose 0.9% on the day and are up over 50% in 2026, reflecting tight supply.
Oil prices fell as much as 3.5% on Sept. 16 but remain elevated due to ongoing supply disruptions.
Rising diesel fuel costs are pressuring Norfolk Southern's operating margins and may force surcharges.
Despite a 3.5% dip in crude oil prices on September 16, US gasoline and diesel costs continue to climb, with diesel up 77% year-to-date. Shrinking domestic inventories and geopolitical instability have forced major transportation firms like Norfolk Southern to implement fuel surcharges to offset record-high operating costs.
Diesel prices are decoupled from short-term crude fluctuations due to critically low domestic inventories and high export demand, exacerbated by global supply chain disruptions.