See California Retail Gasoline and Diesel Prices per Gallon.
Diesel fuel is the second largest transportation fuel used in California, representing 17 percent of total fuel sales behind gasoline. According to the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration, in 2024, 3.5 billion gallons of diesel (including offroad diesel) was sold.
Nearly all heavy duty-trucks, delivery vehicles, buses, trains, ships, boats and barges, farm, construction and heavy duty military vehicles and equipment have diesel engines. Diesel is the fuel of choice because it has 12 percent more energy per gallon than gasoline and has fuel properties that prolong engine life making it ideal for heavy duty vehicle applications. In 2006 ultra-low sulfur diesel was nationally introduced allowing for near-zero heavy duty diesel engines sold since 2007 model-year. Biodiesel was introduced into California in 2000 and Renewable Diesel in 2012. Biodiesel is predominantly made from soybean and recycled oils into a unique diesel fuel. Renewable Diesel is predominantly made from animal waste oils and the finished fuel is nearly identical to petroleum based diesel.
Additional Resources
- Weekly Retail On-Highway Diesel Fuel Prices (Energy Information Administration)
- Biodiesel Price Report (U.S. DOE, EERE)
- Biodiesel Fueling Facilities (U.S. DOE, EERE)
- Diesel Production & Inventory (Weekly Fuels Watch)
- Retail Fuel Outlet Survey Results
