Why Is Diesel So Expensive Right Now? What It Means for Camper Vans

Gas prices are finally coming down. If your camper van runs on diesel, you may not have noticed.

So what happened? And if you're shopping for a camper van, should it change which one you buy?

Why Is Diesel So Expensive Right Now?

The world is short on diesel. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) says refineries in Russia, China and the Middle East are making less of it.

Those refineries made a lot of diesel and jet fuel. Losing them hit diesel harder than gas.

Here's how that reaches your pump, according to EIA and AAA:

• Imports cost more, and more U.S. diesel gets shipped overseas.
• U.S. refineries are maxed out. They ran at 97% of capacity in mid-September.
• Supplies are low. In the week ending Oct. 30, U.S. distillate stocks were 99.3 million barrels. That's down 3.6 million barrels in one week and 11% lower than a year earlier (EIA Weekly Petroleum Status Report).
• Refiners earn more per gallon. Their diesel margin has averaged 74 cents a gallon more than gas since March (EIA).
• Crude oil is high. AAA said it was still above $100 a barrel in late October (AAA).

The result is record prices. EIA's Sept. 14 average of $6.29 was the highest since it started tracking in 1994 (EIA). AAA lists Sept. 22, 2026 as diesel's record day, at about $6.53 (AAA).

Why Is Diesel More Expensive Than Gas When It Used to Be Cheaper?

Diesel was often cheaper than gas before 2004, says EIA. Since September 2004 it has usually cost more, because world demand grew and cleaner ultra-low sulfur diesel costs more to make and ship (EIA).

What's new is the size of the gap. Taxes didn't cause it. The federal diesel tax is 24.4 cents a gallon, and it hasn't changed since last year.

Is Diesel Going to Go Down Anytime Soon?

Probably not quickly. EIA's September outlook expected world diesel output to stay below last year's, which keeps supplies low and prices high.

Winter adds pressure, since the Northeast burns diesel-type fuel as heating oil. EIA's U.S. average did dip 6 cents in the week of Nov. 2, to $6.29 (EIA). That's a start, not a turnaround.

What It Costs to Fill Up a Diesel Sprinter

At the Nov. 9 AAA averages, 25 gallons of diesel costs about $54 more than 25 gallons of regular.

Two things that help:

• Fill up by region. EIA's Nov. 2 diesel averages ran from about $5.81 on the Lower Atlantic coast to about $8.08 in California. In Florida, AAA's Nov. 9 average was about $5.89 (AAA Florida). If you're crossing into a pricier region, fill up first.
• Use an app. We use GasBuddy to find stations near our route. It matters more when prices swing this much.

Diesel vs Gas Camper Van: Which Should You Buy?

In a new U.S. camper van, you mostly don't pick the fuel. You pick the van, and the fuel comes with it.

So "gas or diesel" really means "Sprinter or something else."

Ford did sell a diesel Transit in the U.S. through the 2019 model year. Its planned replacement never came here, and Ford Authority reported in 2020 that not one was built for the U.S.

Does Diesel's Better Mileage Make Up the Difference?

Not at today's prices. A gallon of diesel holds about 14% more energy than a gallon of gas (about 137,381 Btu vs. 120,166 Btu, per EIA). But diesel costs about 54% more right now.

Real mileage depends on the van, the build and how you drive, so we won't guess at MPG. Ask owners of the exact model for real numbers, and run them at today's prices.

Is a Diesel Camper Van Worth It in 2026?

For some people, yes. Just don't buy one with last year's fuel prices in your head.

Fuel is also only one piece. Layout and size matter more, as we covered in camper van buying mistakes and new vs. used. If you tow, check the towing capacity too.

If you drive a diesel camper van, how much has this changed the way you travel?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Mercedes Sprinter gas or diesel?

Diesel. The current U.S. Sprinter lineup lists four-cylinder diesel engines only.

Does the Ford Transit come in diesel?

Not in the U.S. today. A diesel was offered through the 2019 model year.

Is diesel cheaper in some states?

Yes. Prices vary a lot by region. California is the highest in EIA's Nov. 2 data, and the Lower Atlantic coast is the lowest.