Diesel fuel relative pricing

cemiii · Posted: Sat Mar 07, 2009 10:32 pm Post subject: Diesel fuel relative pricing

About 3 months ago the price of diesel fuel was almost 60 cents higher than premium gasoline in the Bay Area. Today I saw it 14 cents under regular. That's almost a dollar difference in relative pricing.

While I suppose it's all a supply and demand thing at any given time, what's a guy to figure for the long run norm, if you're considering a possible new tow vehicle?

Chris

TyBoo · Posted: Sat Mar 07, 2009 10:51 pm Post subject:

It's simple: the fuel pricing structure is a plot against me. In 2004, I needed a larger tow rig so I bought a diesel, because diesel fuel was considerably lower than the cheapest gas. That was the set up. Then all the fuel prices shot up, but I was still to the good side. That was the trap. Next, the gas prices dropped, but diesel stayed way high. There was the gotcha. So, after a few years of driving the big old Dodge to work, I finally admitted defeat and sprung for one of them yuppie hybrid cars that gets 45 miles per gallon of cheap gas. That was the set up. Guess what?? Now, not only has the gas gone back higher than the diesel, but people are making fun of me for my car.

I'm covered, though, because I still have the truck. If things get too bad I'll load that Prius in the back and just haul it around.

rogerbum · Posted: Sat Mar 07, 2009 11:25 pm Post subject:

Come on Mike - we're not making fun of you because of your CAR!
There's SO many other reasons....

tpbrady · Posted: Sat Mar 07, 2009 11:31 pm Post subject:

Diesel ($3.39 gal) in Anchorage is $1.08 more than regular gas. We are getting hosed.

NewMoon · Posted: Sun Mar 08, 2009 8:42 am Post subject:

Anyone bought diesel in BC lately? I'd be curious as to prices both on the water and on the road.

JamesTXSD · Posted: Sun Mar 08, 2009 8:47 am Post subject:

Spike · Posted: Sun Mar 08, 2009 10:50 am Post subject:

Because they can, and WILL

Chuck

localboy · Posted: Sun Mar 08, 2009 10:53 am Post subject:

Grumpy · Posted: Sun Mar 08, 2009 11:39 am Post subject:

Bought Diesel yesterday at the Casino, Anacotes for $1.99999999/gal. Wished I had a tanker truck in tow. 2 days before I paid $2.56 on Whidbey Island.

Merv

Jeanie P · Posted: Sun Mar 08, 2009 11:57 am Post subject:

Back in the early 70's, I delivered diesel and gas for Mobile Oil. I remember delivering to metro bus depots. The diesel I delivered was a mixture of kerosene and # 2 oil- not a very costly refined product.

I bought my own rig and drove over-the road for several years, during which, the diesel engine car was introduced to America. Bingo ! The price of diesel shot up.

Jim "Wild Blue" is on target when he says trucks have to move regardless of price, hence the still high price compared to gas.

Allan

Dory-Ling · Posted: Sun Mar 08, 2009 1:17 pm Post subject: Diesel fuel relative pricing

I think maybe it's more complex than you may believe. First, remember there are no correlations between #2 burned as heating fuel and ULSD which is mandated for road use. When looking for a culprit, you need look no farther than congress, after all their the ones who set these "standards".

Oh yea, the refining costs are considerably higher when taking HEPD to ULSD! Until more refinerys can make low sulfur you will pay more.
Martin

journey on · Posted: Sun Mar 08, 2009 1:56 pm Post subject:

I was waiting for someone to point out that it's not the oil company's fault but OUR (Govt, consumers, etc.) fault. After all we're the ones who set the price, by using the stuff, and try to keep our cities livable.

And we're the ones who drove the price to $4.50/gal. Actually the consumers drove the price down by refusing to use the stuff.

And now it's our fault that the oil companies price is going up, at least in Calif. They're switching to more expensive summer gasoline. Never mind that it's still winter. I can just see the contest in their PR room: who can think up the silliest reason, just to show everyone who's in control?

Those poor oil companies, knocked around by the people. Though they do manage to make record profits.

Boris

tpbrady · Posted: Sun Mar 08, 2009 1:58 pm Post subject:

Martin,

Two weeks ago the price of diesel in Juneau was $2.79 a gallon. Gas was $2.07 and the legislature is still trying to find out why.

cemiii · Posted: Sun Mar 08, 2009 2:07 pm Post subject:

We usually pay way above average anywhere else in the country because we live right next to the refineries, I guess. But right now Chevron in Walnut Creek is $2.13 for regular and $1.99 for D.

I figure its all just a plot to help the troubled auto dealers. You know, everyone is going to have to own 2 trucks so that they can switch back and forth! Crook

Now there's a really green proposition.

Chris

Hunkydory · Posted: Sun Mar 08, 2009 2:21 pm Post subject:

Richard

This link to Gas Buddy shows the lowest BC diesel at Chilliwack and Price George lower than I've seen in a long time.
http://www.bcgasprices.com/index.aspx?fuel=D

Chilliwack diesel price in US gallons and dollars= 3.785 x 71.9 x .777= $2.11 a gallon which is only slightly higher than your paying in Utah.

Prince George is 3.785x74.3x.777= $2.19 US gallon

No idea on water diesel prices.

Jay