The average U.S. retail price of diesel fuel increased to $1.551 from the previous average of $1.503, the Department of Energy reported.

Among the reasons for the surge are rising crude oil prices, a weaker U.S. dollar and colder weather that drove up demand for home heating oil, analysts said.

The highest average prices are in New England, where the price is $1.713; and in California, at $1.680 a gallon. The lowest prices are on the Gulf Coast, at $1.519, and in the Midwest, at $1.518.

Other average prices: the Central Atlantic region, where the price is $1.681; the West Coast, where the price is $1.641; the Rocky Mountain region, where the price is $1.535; the Lower Atlantic region, where the average price is $1.530; and $1.583 on the East Coast.