The average U.S. retail price of diesel fuel rose to $1.648 from the previous average of $1.642, the Department of Energy reported April 5.

The highest prices were in California, at $2.014; New England, at $1.755; the Central Atlantic region, at $1.720; and on the West Coast, where the average price is $1.885.

Other prices included the Lower Atlantic region, where the average price is $1.589; the Midwest, at $1.610; the Gulf Coast, at $1.586; the East Coast, at $1.636; and the Rocky Mountain region, where the price is $1.697.

The United States had asked OPEC to delay an announced million-barrel-per-day production cut to avoid pushing gasoline prices even higher than the record levels they have attained in the United States in recent weeks.

But OPEC ignored the request.

Meanwhile, Kuwait's foreign minister said OPEC's decision to cut production while oil prices are above normal was "irrational" and pledged that his country would act if the world economy suffered as a result.