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US consumer sentiment

America's second-worst mood on record — and it is all priced in diesel

By Peter Wilding,

Published on Sep 30, 2026   —   5 min read

University of Michigan Surveys of Consumersinflation expectationsdiesel pricesdistillate crack spreadUS-China tradeFederal Reservecost of living
A fuel station price display showing a diesel price, representing the distillate cost shock tracked alongside the University of Michigan Index of Consumer Sentiment.

Summary

America's mood is scraping the bottom, and diesel is adding to the squeeze. With consumer sentiment at its second-lowest recorded level and the EIA forecasting average 2026 diesel prices of $5.07 a gallon, the League asks whether Washington can deliver relief where households feel it.

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Peter Wilding

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