Diesel Fuel Prices by State
Compare current average diesel prices across all 48 US states and 10 Canadian provinces. Toggle to see IFTA adjusted prices — the effective cost after removing the state tax component that gets redistributed through IFTA.
Why IFTA Adjusted Prices Matter
The pump price you pay for diesel includes your state's fuel tax. But under IFTA, you don't actually keep the tax with the state where you fuel — it gets redistributed based on the miles you drive in each state.
The IFTA Adjusted Price removes the tax component, showing you the true base cost of fuel in each state. This is the number that actually affects your bottom line when deciding where to fuel up.
For example, a state with high pump prices but high IFTA tax rates might actually be cheaper to fuel in than a state with low pump prices but low tax rates — because you'll get more of that tax money back through IFTA credits.
Stop Overpaying at the Pump
FleetCollect automatically tracks your miles and fuel purchases across every state. Know exactly what you owe — and what you're owed — every quarter.
Understanding Diesel Fuel Costs for IFTA
Diesel fuel is the single largest operating expense for most trucking companies, typically accounting for 30-40% of total costs. Understanding how fuel prices interact with IFTA tax rates is critical for optimizing your bottom line.
Under the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA), fuel taxes are redistributed across states based on where you actually drive, not where you buy fuel. This means the pump price alone does not tell you the true cost of fueling in a particular state.
For example, fueling in a high-tax state like Pennsylvania means you pay more at the pump, but if you drive significant miles in Pennsylvania, you would owe that tax anyway through your IFTA filing. The IFTA adjusted price strips out the tax component to show you the actual base cost of fuel — which is what truly affects your profitability.
Smart Fueling Strategies
- Compare IFTA adjusted prices, not pump prices — the state with the lowest pump price is not always the cheapest after IFTA redistribution.
- Fuel up in high-tax states where you drive the most miles — you will owe the tax anyway through IFTA, so you might as well pay it at the pump and avoid owing a balance.
- Use fuel cards with per-gallon discounts — even $0.05/gallon savings adds up to thousands annually. See our fuel card comparison guide.
- Track every fuel purchase accurately — missing receipts mean missed credits. FleetCollect's IFTA mobile app logs fuel stops automatically with GPS location.
- File on time to avoid penalties — late IFTA filings accrue interest and can result in license suspension. See our IFTA filing guide for deadlines.
IFTA Tax Credit Optimization
Most trucking companies leave money on the table by not optimizing their fueling strategy for IFTA credits. When you buy fuel in a high-tax state, you pre-pay that state's tax at the pump. If your IFTA filing shows you drove fewer miles in that state than the fuel you purchased there would cover, you get a credit for the overpayment.
Conversely, if you drive many miles in a state but buy little fuel there, you will owe that state's tax through your IFTA return. Understanding this dynamic is the key to optimizing your fuel purchases. Read our complete guide on IFTA fuel tax credit optimization for detailed strategies.
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are IFTA adjusted fuel prices?
- IFTA adjusted fuel prices remove the state fuel tax component from the pump price. Under IFTA, fuel taxes are redistributed based on miles driven in each state, not where you buy fuel. The adjusted price shows the true base cost of fuel, helping you make smarter fueling decisions that maximize your IFTA credits.
- How often are diesel fuel prices updated?
- Our diesel fuel price data is updated weekly using the latest available pricing from the EIA (Energy Information Administration) and state fuel tax rates. IFTA tax rates are updated quarterly when new rates are published by IFTA Inc.
- How do IFTA fuel tax credits work?
- When you buy fuel, you pay that state's fuel tax at the pump. Under IFTA, you report all miles driven and all fuel purchased across every state. Your tax liability is calculated based on miles driven in each state multiplied by that state's tax rate. If you paid more tax at the pump than you owe based on miles, you receive a credit.
- Should I fuel in states with lower diesel prices?
- Not necessarily. Look at the IFTA adjusted price, not just the pump price. A state with high pump prices but high tax rates might actually be cheaper because you'll get more of that tax back through IFTA credits. The adjusted price shows the true cost after IFTA redistribution.
- Which states have the highest diesel fuel taxes?
- Diesel fuel tax rates vary significantly by state and change quarterly. Pennsylvania, California, and Washington typically have among the highest diesel tax rates, while states like Alaska, Missouri, and Oklahoma tend to have lower rates. Check the table above for current rates.
- How can I save money on diesel fuel as a trucker?
- Use IFTA adjusted prices to identify the cheapest base fuel costs, fuel up in high-tax states where you drive significant miles, use fuel cards with per-gallon discounts, and track all purchases accurately for your IFTA quarterly filing to ensure you claim every credit you're owed.