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Maybe you haven’t heard, but fuel prices have reached notable highs this spring due to a variety of global factors. Last week, near our Amarillo location, a gallon of diesel was priced at $4.18 at Sam’s Club, which is down from last month’s average of $4.71 but still significantly higher than the average of $3.03 from last April.
Even as fuel prices begin to stabilize from recent peaks, it’s essential to remember that consistent fuel pricing is beyond our control, regardless of how much we wish it were otherwise. Understanding the volatility of fuel prices and what actions we can take as vehicle owners, drivers, and fleet managers to maximize fuel economy is crucial.
Take a look below to learn more about some of the main factors that influence the cost of diesel and how LubeZone is committed to helping our customers keep their rigs running at peak performance.
Some Factors Impacting the Cost of Diesel Fuel in 2025
The Cost of Crude Oil
Crude oil remains the primary component in diesel fuel, so its price directly affects the cost of diesel. Global supply and demand, geopolitical events, and decisions by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) all play significant roles in shaping the market. In 2025, Brent crude oil prices are projected to average around $76 per barrel, influenced by factors such as increased production from non-OPEC countries and a modest surplus in the global oil market.
The Cost of Refining
Diesel fuel is produced through refining, which transforms crude oil into usable products like gasoline and diesel. The cost of refining can vary depending on the type of crude oil and the refinery’s efficiency. While refining costs have remained relatively stable, the complexity of diesel production, which requires processes such as fractional distillation, means that it generally costs more to produce diesel than gasoline.
It costs more to refine diesel fuel than it does to refine gasoline, so the price of diesel reflects this additional cost. Diesel is refined using a process called fractional distillation, which is more complex and time-consuming than the process used to refine gasoline. Fractional distillation also results in a lower yield of diesel per barrel of crude oil.
The Federal Excise Tax
Diesel fuel is subject to a higher federal excise tax than gasoline, adding to its overall cost. The federal tax is 24.3 cents per gallon for diesel fuel, compared to 18.3 cents per gallon for gasoline. This difference accounts for factors such as the greater wear and tear diesel vehicles impose on road infrastructure and their emissions profiles.
State and Local Taxes
Many states and localities also impose their own taxes on diesel fuel, further increasing the price. In addition to the federal tax of 24.3 cents per gallon of diesel, there is a state tax of another 20 cents. Both federal and state taxes on diesel are static, meaning they have not contributed to the historic highs seen over the past nine months.
Post-Covid Transportation Boom
Following the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a significant increase in travel and transportation as restrictions eased and economic activities resumed. This surge in demand contributed to higher fuel prices. While the initial post-pandemic boom has subsided, ongoing economic activities and freight demands continue to influence fuel prices.
Saving on Fuel Costs For Your Fleet With LubeZone
Ensuring that your fleet is properly maintained is one of the best ways to keep your vehicles operating efficiently and help reduce fuel costs. For instance, keeping your tires properly inflated can improve mileage by up to 3%. LubeZone offers preventative maintenance programs for our partners, which include routine oil changes, fluid checks, and tire rotations to help keep your vehicles running smoothly and reduce fuel consumption.
If you’re interested in developing a customized preventative maintenance plan for your vehicle or fleet, contact us today. With locations across the country, we work closely with local fleets and long-haul truckers to ensure their vehicles are in optimal condition, enabling them to stay on the road longer and operate at peak performance.
LubeZone is the fastest growing dedicated semi-truck service in the United States with locations in Texas, California, Oklahoma, North Carolina and Georgia. Our preventative maintenance solutions are designed to get the professional driver back on the road FAST.
