Diesel Prices Skyrocket to New Highs in North Dakota

North Dakota farmers are facing record-high diesel prices as they prepare for fall harvest. On September 15, 2026, diesel hit a staggering $6.31 per gallon in Casselton, North Dakota. Chris McDonald, president of the North Dakota Soybean Growers Association, expressed concern that high fuel costs will erode profits.

McDonald noted that ideally farmers have contracted prices for diesel fuel before planting and harvest seasons. However, many farmers waited for prices to drop after a spring spike tied to the US war with Iran.

According to Dave Ripplinger, a bio energy economist at North Dakota State University, an attack on a Saudi Arabian pipeline this week significantly impacted oil markets. Ripplinger stated that the uncharted price territory will be challenging for farmers to navigate.