Virginia diesel climbs to record $6.35 a gallon

(The Center Square) – Virginia's record-setting diesel prices increased to $6.35 a gallon Friday.

The overnight rise was 4 cents. A week ago, it was $5.99; one month ago was $5.50; and a year ago it was $3.60. The increases are 6% in a week, 15.5% in a month, and 76.4% in a year.

Friday’s price is the highest recorded diesel average in Virginia, according to AAA, surpassing the record set Thursday.

Federal transportation officials this week also loosened hours-of-service rules for truck drivers hauling gasoline and diesel as officials respond to global supply disruptions and concerns about fuel availability.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration waiver took effect Wednesday and runs through Dec. 16. It allows eligible drivers transporting gasoline and diesel to drive up to 16 hours in a 24-hour period while maintaining required rest periods.

“From unleashing American energy production to alleviating short-term supply chain pressures, the Trump administration is constantly taking action to lower fuel prices,” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said. “Our great American truckers will continue to haul the products that power America and keep our economy moving.”

The Motor Carrier Administration said the waiver is intended to address global supply disruptions, anticipated increases in gasoline and diesel demand in late summer and fall, and the effects of fuel costs and availability on transportation providers, agricultural harvesting and the traveling public.

Diesel prices also reached new highs in several Virginia markets Friday.

AAA listed diesel at about $6.40 in the Virginia portion of the Washington metropolitan area, $6.39 in Fredericksburg and $6.36 in Richmond-Petersburg. Each was listed as the highest recorded diesel average for that market.

The national diesel average climbed to $6.45 Friday, up from $6.40 Thursday and $6.06 a week ago. It averaged $3.71 a year ago.

Regular gasoline also continued to rise in Virginia, reaching $4.17 Friday. That was up from $4.16 Thursday and $4.12 a week ago. A month ago, regular averaged $3.76, while a year ago it averaged $2.95.

Virginia’s record average for regular gasoline remains $4.87, set June 14, 2022.

This story originally appeared on thecentersquare.com.