RUTHERFORD COUNTY, Tenn. (WGNS News) - Tennessee motorists probably don't need another reason to avoid looking at the numbers spinning on the gas pump, but diesel prices have now reached a record high in the Volunteer State. The statewide average has climbed to $5.64 per gallon, matching a level last seen during the previous record-setting period in June 2022. Tennessee currently ranks 14th when states are ordered from lowest to highest diesel prices.
The latest jump comes on the heels of an expensive Labor Day weekend, with fuel prices making the holiday one of the costliest in roughly a decade. According to AAA Fuel Prices, the nationwide average for regular unleaded stood at $4.15 per gallon Tuesday morning. Indiana had the nation's lowest average for regular gas at $3.42, while Tennessee ranked 10th-lowest at $3.80 per gallon on Tuesday. In other words, Tennessee drivers can take comfort in knowing it could be worse - although that probably won't make the total on the pump move any slower.
In Rutherford County, regular unleaded is averaging $3.83 per gallon. Bedford County motorists are paying about two cents less, while Wilson County's average is about six cents below Rutherford's. Head east into Cannon County and the average climbs to $3.93 for 87-Octane. Williamson County motorists are dealing with an average of $4 per gallon, while Nashville drivers are paying around $3.89. Evidently, crossing a county line can now double as a very small fuel-saving strategy.
Diesel tells an even more painful story. Oklahoma currently has the cheapest diesel in the country, but "cheapest" is doing some heavy lifting at an average of $5.45 per gallon. The comparison is especially important because diesel powers many of the trucks responsible for moving food, merchandise and countless other products across the country. When transportation becomes more expensive, those additional costs have a habit of eventually finding their way to consumers.
For perspective, the price of one gallon of diesel is now roughly equal to what a bargain hunter might spend on an entire fast-food meal. There are still a few options around the $5 mark, including certain value meals at major fast-food chains, but $5.50 doesn't exactly command the menu like it once did. So, in 2026, motorists can apparently choose between roughly a gallon of diesel or lunch - although the diesel is unlikely to come with fries and a drink.
And anyone hoping a trip west might bring relief should probably reconsider. California has the nation's highest average price for regular gasoline at about $5.86 per gallon, followed by Washington at $5.51. Diesel prices on the West Coast have climbed as high as $7.92 per gallon, while Hawaii's average is around $6.93. At nearly eight bucks a gallon, the old advice about combining errands is starting to sound less like a money-saving suggestion and more like a financial plan.
5-Year Look Back at Gas Prices in Tennessee (GasBuddy.com)
September 8, 2025: $2.82/g (U.S. Average: $3.18/g)
September 8, 2024: $2.78/g (U.S. Average: $3.22/g)
September 8, 2023: $3.36/g (U.S. Average: $3.80/g)
September 8, 2022: $3.30/g (U.S. Average: $3.72/g)
September 8, 2021: $2.87/g (U.S. Average: $3.17/g)
