Diesel sits near its record at $6.35 as gasoline eases to $4.27

Diesel prices remain within 18 cents of an all-time high, even as gasoline continues a slow autumn decline, according to AAA.

The national average for diesel was $6.35 a gallon on Tuesday, AAA data show. The record, $6.53, was set on Sept. 22 of this year. A year ago, diesel averaged $3.66.

Regular gasoline averaged $4.27, down about 2 cents from Monday and about 21 cents from a month ago. It is still about $1.21 higher than a year ago.

Source: AAA.

What is moving prices

In its Oct. 22 weekly update, AAA said the seasonal switch to winter-blend gasoline, which is cheaper to make, was helping pump prices, while crude oil was nearing $100 a barrel.

Diesel fuels most trucks, trains and farm equipment, so its price affects the cost of moving goods. Fox News noted in its election coverage that diesel was just under its September record, as prices remain a campaign issue one week before the Nov. 3 midterms.

AAA's next weekly update is due Thursday.