Analysis 4 min read · updated Nov 9, 2026
Seasonal patterns in gasoline and diesel prices
Summer blends, driving season, harvest and heating oil: the calendar effects worth knowing.
- Spring into summer: gasoline switches to lower-volatility summer blends that cost more to make, while driving demand rises.
- Fall: the switch back to winter-grade gasoline usually takes some pressure off gasoline.
- Harvest and winter: diesel demand from farming and freight peaks in the fall, and heating oil competes for distillate through winter, which can keep diesel firm.
- Hurricane season: Gulf Coast refining is concentrated, so storms can disrupt supply in late summer and fall.
Seasonality is a tendency, not a rule; global supply shocks can overwhelm it. Compare this year with last on any fuel page.