The national average price for a gallon of diesel dipped 0.2 cents to $3.148 for the week ending Oct. 16, the Energy Information Administration said. This demonstrated subtle, yet encouraging signs of energy market recovery after the recent Gulf Coast hurricanes.

The largest drop in prices was in the Lower Atlantic region as prices decreased 5.3 cents to $3.199. However, in the Rocky Mountain region prices jumped 3.5 cents to $3.178. New England kept its hold on its claim for the cheapest diesel prices at $2.913 after a 3.4-cent decline. California recaptured the dubious honor for being the most expensive region from Lower Atlantic, despite shedding 3 cents to $3.210.

For more detailed information on diesel prices, go to http://www.fleetowner.com/diesel.xls