The national average U.S. retail price of diesel fuel has increased to $1.744 from the previous average of $1.740, the Department of Energy reported July 19.

The highest average prices in the nation continue to be found in California, at $2.096 per gallon. For the West Coast region, the price is $2.033. The lowest prices are in the Gulf Coast, at $1.674, and in the Lower Atlantic region, where the price is $1.678.

Other prices included the East Coast, where the average price is $1.727; the New England region, at $1.822; the Central Atlantic, at $1.820; the Midwest, at $1.699; and the Rocky Mountain region, at $1.797.