California Diesel Prices Are Rising: Latest Trucking News for Owner-Operators

Amy Chavez

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July 7, 2025

Diesel prices are climbing again in California, and every CDL holder, owner-operator, and small fleet owner knows how much fuel impacts profit. In this weekly trucking podcast update, This Week in Trucking covers why diesel costs are spiking, how new clean air rules affect your fuel bill, and what smart trucking business tips can help you save money every mile.

Stay ahead with real news for truckers from the best trucking podcast for 2025.

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Why Diesel Prices Are Going Up in California

✅ New taxes added about one cent per gallon on July first
✅ Clean air rules could push diesel up another six to nine cents per gallon
✅ Oil prices are up due to global supply concerns and refinery capacity limits

For owner-operators and small fleets working in California, that means each fill-up could cost twenty to fifty dollars more if prices stay high through the summer.

Trucking Business Tips to Save on Fuel

✅ Plan fuel stops carefully because prices can change twenty to forty cents between exits
✅ Use independent truck stops for better diesel rates
✅ Check fuel apps like the Bobtail Fuel Finder to compare live diesel prices
✅ Use a fuel card to save up to twenty four cents per gallon

Why This Matters for Small Carriers

Every extra penny at the pump adds up when you run multiple trucks or haul long miles through states like California with higher diesel costs. Knowing how to manage your fuel stops and discounts is one of the best ways to protect your profit margin and stay competitive.

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Full Transcript

From This Week in Trucking, this is hot right now and I’m Amy. If you’ve been hauling through California, you might have seen diesel prices creeping up a bit. Right now, the statewide average on diesel is $3.72 and it’s expected to stay high throughout the summer.

So, why are diesel prices going up? Two reasons. First, the state of California passed a new tax that increases diesel prices about 1.2 cents per gallon. And California isn’t done. Starting July 1st, there’s also a new clean air regulation that analysts estimate will increase diesel another 6 to 9 cents per gallon.

A CBS8 article mentions diesel could jump by 60 to 65 cents a gallon, but that’s only if there’s a big refinery shutdown or a major supply crunch. That’s the extreme worst-case scenario.

So, how much is that per tank? On a 300-gallon tank, an extra 7 cents is about $21 more every time you fuel up.

The conflict in the Middle East is also pushing crude oil prices up. When crude oil goes up, diesel goes up. So, if you’re an owner-operator, this just means your cost per mile is about to get more expensive.

How can you manage the increase?

Plan your fuel stops carefully. Diesel prices can swing 20 to 30 cents per gallon depending on where you fuel up. Smaller, non-branded truck stops might be a good opportunity to save. Make sure to check all the truck stops, not just the ones your fuel card shows. You can use an app like the Bobtail Fuel Finder that shows you all truck stops with real-time prices.

You can also use a Bobtail group planner to find the best price on diesel. If you’re not using a fuel card yet, that’s something worth looking into. Some cards can save you up to 24 cents per gallon, which really adds up when you’re fueling up every week.

Article By

Amy Chavez

Amy is the editor and producer of the This Week In Trucking podcast alongside managing social media content with a focus on providing helpful information and clear communication. She enjoys making content that informs and connects, helping audiences engage with stories that matter.