School districts face record diesel prices for bus fleets

U.S. school districts are facing record-high diesel prices as students return to classes this fall. Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) indicates that national diesel prices have exceeded the previous August record of $5.30 per gallon, with real-time data from AAA showing prices climbing above $5.40 per gallon during the peak back-to-school week.

With approximately 90 percent of the nation’s 480,000 school buses still utilizing diesel, many districts are struggling with budget constraints. A survey by AASA, ASBO, and NAPT found that over half of school districts are already over their fuel budgets, with 14 percent exceeding those budgets by more than 20 percent. In response, two in five districts have been forced to consolidate bus routes or limit transportation services.

Districts that have diversified their fleets with alternative fuels, such as propane autogas, have reported greater price stability and savings. Maintenance managers noted that while diesel prices fluctuate by significant margins, propane autogas prices remain relatively steady.