Average diesel price rises 5 cents

The average price at the pump for a gallon of diesel fuel rose five cents in the past week, according to the U.S. Dept. of Energy. The department's Energy Information Administration said the average rose five cents to $1.542, and was the highest in more than two years. The average price on December 18, 2000 was $1.545. Diesel and other fuel prices have risen lately because of potential war against Iraq and a general strike in Venezuela. Drivers in the Central Atlantic region are paying the highest price at $1.66. New England ($1.643) and California ($1.635) drivers are also paying more than $1.60 a gallon to refuel. At $1.50, drivers in the Rocky Mountain region are paying the least for fuel.