I refuel at Costco (in Calgary) when I can...
Diesel Fuel Grades - Which Do you Use/Prefer ?
- Thread starter Rocky Mtn Hilux
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I should add that here in Australia all fuel sold at retail outlets is double-taxed. There is a fixed excise of 44.2 cents per litre on petrol , diesel and some other types of fuel (industrial ones not sold at servo's). There is also the 10 percent GST (goods and services tax) on the whole lot.
So with diesel averaging A2.40 a litre around Newcastle, 1/11th (21.8 cents) is GST, and 44.2 cents off what's left is the excise, so the 'raw' wholesale cost less tax of diesel averages A$1.74. What 'markup' the fuel outlets put on is unknown, or what the transport cost component for distribution is.
Terminal gate price of diesel in Newcastle is as of today A$2.2044 from Ampol and A$2.1517 from BP (Shell's agent Viva does not supply diesel in bulk in Newcastle) and anyone buying fuel that way is required to buy 35000 litres or more at a time. Note that the terminal gate prices for diesel are just that - diesel - there is no distinction of 'low grade' vs 'high grade' diesel so how the two grades of diesel come to exist is unknown. Perhaps they don't and it's just marketing spin.
So with diesel averaging A2.40 a litre around Newcastle, 1/11th (21.8 cents) is GST, and 44.2 cents off what's left is the excise, so the 'raw' wholesale cost less tax of diesel averages A$1.74. What 'markup' the fuel outlets put on is unknown, or what the transport cost component for distribution is.
Terminal gate price of diesel in Newcastle is as of today A$2.2044 from Ampol and A$2.1517 from BP (Shell's agent Viva does not supply diesel in bulk in Newcastle) and anyone buying fuel that way is required to buy 35000 litres or more at a time. Note that the terminal gate prices for diesel are just that - diesel - there is no distinction of 'low grade' vs 'high grade' diesel so how the two grades of diesel come to exist is unknown. Perhaps they don't and it's just marketing spin.
in NZ $0.92 /l is Excise on Diesel. Plus $0.03 for Regional fuel tax (Auckland only). 15% of pump price is Goods and services Tax (GST)
Then $0.076 per km for light vehicles under Road User Charges (currently at $0.038 per km as a "response to cost of living by the govt").
It used to be that running a comparable diesel vehicle in NZ came out slightly cheaper than running a similar petrol vehicle. Now with Petrol cheaper than diesel, and RUC that gap is much smaller - and running diesel is probably more expensive, particularly on a per-km basis.
Then $0.076 per km for light vehicles under Road User Charges (currently at $0.038 per km as a "response to cost of living by the govt").
It used to be that running a comparable diesel vehicle in NZ came out slightly cheaper than running a similar petrol vehicle. Now with Petrol cheaper than diesel, and RUC that gap is much smaller - and running diesel is probably more expensive, particularly on a per-km basis.
...I run whatever I can find, including used oil. Lol. here in oregon the only options i've seen are "regular" diesel and b20. i don't notice a difference in my rig, at all.
- Thread starter
- #25
I have always been fussy where I fill up my vehicles with fuel, diesel or not. I usually fill up my Hilux at the same store at the same pump.
One thing you should never do is fill up during, or right after a tanker refills the underground storage tanks. It mixes up all the water and leftover spooge on the bottom of the tank which then goes into your vehicles tank.
Remember, diesel starts to go bad after 30 days without using an additive with a stabilizer.
Caveat Emptor
Rocky Mtn Hilux
One thing you should never do is fill up during, or right after a tanker refills the underground storage tanks. It mixes up all the water and leftover spooge on the bottom of the tank which then goes into your vehicles tank.
Remember, diesel starts to go bad after 30 days without using an additive with a stabilizer.
Caveat Emptor
Rocky Mtn Hilux
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My work trip is 30 km each way. I work part time with 8 shifts a fortnight currently, dropping to 6 next year (due to parenting requirements).
I get around 1200 km maybe a bit more out of a full 140 L (90 L man, 50 L sub). So if I do no other driving I can go over a month without needing to fill up. I always have spare 20 L jerry's of diesel at home but they're sealed and probably will use one up every 2 months or so.
I use either Chemtech diesel power or Flashlube diesel conditioner when I fill up the main tank. Don't put any into sub tank.
Primary reason to change fuel filter regularly (at oil change intervals so around every 10000 km) is to provide a clean supply to injector pump. Toyota genuine fuel filters are readily available.
This has not been my experience
- Thread starter
- #28
How Long Does Diesel Fuel Last?
Studies have determined within 28 days of storage diesel fuel #2 begins to become contaminated and start to degrade. Diesel fuel can only be stored from 6 to 12 months on average — sometimes longer under the best conditions.Source: How Long Can You Store Diesel Fuel & How to Make it Last Longer - https://www.wpowerproducts.com/news/how-long-can-you-store-diesel/
Does Diesel Go Bad and How Long Does It Last?
Depending on whom you ask, you’ll get a different answer as to how long diesel fuel can last.This is because the lifespan of diesel fuel largely depends on the conditions. Diesel fuel stored in a cold area like Alaska is going to last longer than in sunny, humid Florida.
The diesel fuel sold today is a lot different than the diesel fuel several decades ago. The old type of diesel fuel could last for years without problem.
Today’s diesel fuel is actually ultra low sulfur diesel. Low sulfur means that emissions are lower, but also means that the fuel won’t last as long.
You can expect today’s diesel fuel to last:
- 6 to 12 months: If the temperature is kept around 70 degrees F
- 12+ months: If the temperature is kept below 70 degrees F
What makes diesel go bad?
If you want to store diesel for the long-term and make it last longer, you’ve got to understand what makes diesel go bad. The biggest culprits for causing diesel to go bad are:- Water/condensation
- Heat
- Microbial activity (bacteria and fungus growth)
- Contact with zinc or copper
Does Diesel Fuel Go Bad & How Long Does It Last?
Diesel fuel can go bad, but it takes a longer time than gasoline. Because diesel is made of heavier hydrocarbons, it doesn’t evaporate as quickly as gasoline. It is also less prone to oxidation. All of these factors make diesel fuel last longer – up to one year or more in proper storage conditions.Most types of diesel sold today are ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD). ULSD has a shelf life of around six months to a year. However, if you have high-sulfur diesel (HSD), it will only last for three to six months.
Keep in mind the different additives that you can add to diesel as they have their expiration date. Most additives will last around two years, but it’s always best to check the manufacturer’s recommendation.
Source: Does Diesel Fuel Go Bad & How Long Does It Last? - Car, Truck And Vehicle How To Guides - Vehicle Freak - https://vehiclefreak.com/does-diesel-fuel-go-bad-how-long-does-it-last/
How Long Does Diesel Last In A Tank?
A big difference between then and now concerns diesel fuel’s storage life. How well it resists the kind of reactions and changes that all fuels go through over time in the real world. Back in the 1950s, the US Army reported that you could get 3-5 years (or more) out of stored diesel fuel. Now, without taking rigorous steps on fuel preventive maintenance, 3-5 years is out of the question.How long does diesel fuel last in a storage tank? As with many things in life, the best answer is It Depends. But depends on what? The cliff notes answer is that it depends on 1) whether there’s any biodiesel in it (and how much), 2) whether it’s got or develops any significant microbial presence, and 3) whether water is removed regularly.
Source: How Long Does Diesel Last In A Tank? - https://www.bellperformance.com/bell-performs-blog/how-long-does-diesel-fuel-last-in-a-storage-tank
Rocky Mtn Hilux
That certainly hasn’t been my experience either. My Prado had a reasonably full tank of diesel in it for around 2.5 years while I did my engine swap, once I pumped the primer on the filter housing the new engine fired right up and burned the rest of the tank no problem.
My 1975 Mercedes 300D had at least 10 gallons in it when I got it, the last time it had been driven was at least 8 years ago and it fired and ran great on that old fuel. Fresh fuel didn’t seem to make any difference to it at all.
My 1975 Mercedes 300D had at least 10 gallons in it when I got it, the last time it had been driven was at least 8 years ago and it fired and ran great on that old fuel. Fresh fuel didn’t seem to make any difference to it at all.
If the USA has the worlds largest 'emergency stockpiles' of fuel, how is that stored to make sure it never goes 'off'? Do the stockpiles even actually exist as refined fuel or are they just 'reserves' or 'allocations' of crude oil that are still 'in the ground'? I bet the stockpiles do not actually exist as 'you can go to a tankfarm and see it' product...
Here in this state (nsw australia), no refineries have operated since about 2010. We used to have three - Caltex (now Ampol), Shell (Viva in Australia) and BP all located in Sydney.
All fuels are bulk-imported pre-refined, and I think 'additive packages' are either added at the shipping stage, or when the fuel is pumped out of the ships into bulk distribution/storage centres (ie. the old fuel refineries converted into basically just 'tank farms' and nothing else).
I've had petrol go off quite badly in old cars that I haven't run/driven for a few years, but diesel is quite 'robust'.
Here in this state (nsw australia), no refineries have operated since about 2010. We used to have three - Caltex (now Ampol), Shell (Viva in Australia) and BP all located in Sydney.
All fuels are bulk-imported pre-refined, and I think 'additive packages' are either added at the shipping stage, or when the fuel is pumped out of the ships into bulk distribution/storage centres (ie. the old fuel refineries converted into basically just 'tank farms' and nothing else).
I've had petrol go off quite badly in old cars that I haven't run/driven for a few years, but diesel is quite 'robust'.
- Thread starter
- #31
Diesel shortage causing headaches for truckers
CTVNews.ca StaffPublished Monday, November 7, 2011 7:30PM ESTAcross Western Canada, truck drivers are engaged in a desperate and sometimes futile search for fuel after diesel production has slowed down to a trickle.
Maintenance at an Edmonton plant that supplies hydrogen to oil giant Suncor has slowed fuel production causing a diesel shortage from Northern Ontario to B.C.
For more than a week, truckers have had trouble finding diesel -- and when they do find it they are paying more for it.
Dave MacNevin, an operations manager at Whitecorp Transport Inc., said that many truck drivers have taken to their radios in the search for fuel.
"Everybody's on the two-ways talking about diesel cardlocks shutting down because they're out of fuel," MacNevin told The Canadian Press.
About 90 per cent of Canada's consumer goods and food are moved by truckers and a fuel shortage could mean fewer toys and turkeys on store shelves.
"If you don't have fuel you can't run your vehicles," Bob Dolyniuk from the Manitoba Trucking Association told CTV News. "And if you can't run your vehicles you can't produce services to your customers."
Gas stations that are receiving diesel shipments have been limiting what customers can buy. On Wednesday, an Edmonton station blocked off pumps as customers lined up to fill their tanks.
Suncor says it's searching for more supply offshore and across North America.
The shortage is being blamed on an explosion at a Regina refinery in October that reduced diesel output and slowed production at Suncor's Edmonton plant because of a hydrogen shortage.
The Alberta refinery is expected to resume normal production mid-month, but service stations have been warned that the shortage could last into December.
SOURCE: CTV
That's interesting. I am able to fill up anytime I want. I have never seen a gas station that offers diesel that did not have any in Alberta.
Moreover, when I do a google search and ask: "Was there a refinery explosion in Regina Saskatchewan in October, 2022", I cannot find any corresponding news article verifying a Regina refinery explosion in 2022.
EU hoarding Russian diesel before ban – Reuters
The oil-products embargo begins in less than three months and the bloc lacks alternative sources, the news outlet reports
European traders are boosting purchases of Russian diesel ahead of the EU embargo on the country’s oil products, which comes into force in February, Reuters reported on Monday, citing cargo tracker Vortexa.
According to the report, Russian diesel shipments headed to the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp (ARA) storage region surged to 215,000 barrels per day from November 1 to November 12. It is a 126% increase from October, according to Pamela Munger, Vortexa senior market analyst.
Moreover, according to Refinitiv data, so far in November Russian diesel made up 44% of the bloc’s imports of the fuel, against 39% last month. This means that Russia remains the region’s largest diesel supplier, despite the fact that overall imports of Russian fuels to the EU dropped significantly over the past months due to Ukraine-related sanctions.
The EU embargo on Russian oil comes into force next month, while the ban on petroleum products will take effect on February 5. Analysts warn it will be difficult for the region to find alternative sources for diesel once this happens, as they are scarce and more costly, while Europe’s domestic diesel production falls short of the region's consumption.
“The EU will have to secure around 500,000 to 600,000 barrels per day of diesel to replace the Russian volumes; replacements will come from the US as well as east of Suez, primarily the Middle East and India,” Eugene Lindell, market analyst at energy consultancy FGE, told Reuters.
SOURCE: RT
Diesel Shortage Update as U.S. Supply Will 'Barely' Make it Through Winter
BY GIULIA CARBONARO ON 11/14/22 AT 6:12 AM ESTfter reporting the lowest inventory since 2008 right when the high-demand season was approaching, U.S. diesel supplies have slightly increased in early November, though prices for the distillate fuel remain high.
When the Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported in mid-October that, as of October 14, the country had 25.4 days left of distillate supplies—which include diesel, jet fuel and heating oil—analysts and experts started fearing a supply crunch that could potentially lead to a significant slowdown of the U.S. and the global economy.
How much diesel is left in the U.S.?
Patrick De Haan, GasBuddy's head of petroleum analysis, told Newsweek: "We've seen distillate supplies rise slightly to 26.0 days, and inventories last week rose about 400,000 barrels, while the areas with the lowest inventories saw a well-needed rise in supplies as well."Though the diesel shortage is affecting the entire country, inventory are particularly low on the East Coast, with the North East experiencing the highest diesel prices, according to Georgia-based major fuel supply and logistics company Mansfield Energy. The South East is reporting the worst supply outages.
A combination of high demand and low inventory caused by the decreased capacity of U.S. refineries—many of which have closed since 2020 or have been repurposed—and bans on the imports of Russian petroleum products have caused the diesel shortage. It has left farmers and homeowners struggling on the verge of a challenging winter.
While rising inventories are certainly good news for the U.S. economy, diesel prices remain high. The national average is of $5.359 per gallon, lower than November 13's average at $5.362 per gallon but higher than last week's average of $5.338 per gallon and October's average of $5.215 per gallon, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA).
On June 19, 2022, diesel reached its highest-recorded average price at $5.816 per gallon.
"Transportation costs continue to rise due to the tight supply, with average diesel prices holding around $5.36 a gallon nationally, but some areas are seeing diesel over $6 a gallon," said De Haan.
"I'm hoping it might improve, but if it's a cold winter, heating oil, which is very similar to diesel, could see higher consumption. We may make it through winter—but barely."
SOURCE: Newsweek
Rocky Mtn Hilux
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That's interesting. Last year when Rotella T6 disappeared from the shelves I talked to employees at several different auto parts stores when looking for oil. They all said that there had been a fire at the plant that made T6, and therefore it wasn't likely to be available for some time. I did fairly extensive searching and found no record of any oil plant fires, Shell or otherwise, for at least the previous year.
What's interesting is that the price shock that occured with petrol and diesel here is now only applicable to diesel. It's about $2.30 to $2.50 not varying depending where you go in Newcastle NSW, but petrol prices are back to their regular 'gouging' cycle. We have no operating refineries here in NSW - all fuel is bulk imported and then 'distributed' by pipelines, tank farms, and road transport.
In the cold country in USA the stations switch to winter diesel. I always use an additive because of the need for lubricating mechanical IP. In the winter its anti-gel and lubrication (Power Service), in summer regular diesel fuel lubricating additive (Lucas or Sea Foam). Supposedly most fuel in 'merica is poor quality and causes problems.
TX diesel $4.50
CO diesel $5.50
Fuel companies just reported one of their most profitable quarters...
TX diesel $4.50
CO diesel $5.50
Fuel companies just reported one of their most profitable quarters...
That's because the article you linked is from 2011
POPO AGIE
SILVER Star
When I had an F250 with a 7.3 IDI I was headed home from Colorado to my home in SW Wyoming and filled up both tanks with #1 and would normally make it home without switching tanks with #2 diesel. I had to stop 120 miles from home to fill up again with #2. I picked the #1 because of the price. I never made that mistake again.
I have a rolling diesel tank in the barn for my tractor for a few years and I just filled it for the second time and my John Deere has not had any issues from fuel degradation.
I can't get any life out of stored gas for any small gas engines unless I buy non ethanol gas for them.
I have a rolling diesel tank in the barn for my tractor for a few years and I just filled it for the second time and my John Deere has not had any issues from fuel degradation.
I can't get any life out of stored gas for any small gas engines unless I buy non ethanol gas for them.
Zjohnsonua
SILVER Star
A previous life had me DEEP in the weeds of distillate fuels, particularly diesel. US products are regulated by ASTM D975 which specifies the product qualities as it leaves the terminal. Read at your leisure for the delta between #1 and #2. #1 is kerosene, for all intents and purposes. #2 is diesel, S15 variety in the States. How much #1 your "diesel" contains will vary depending on your geographical area. Some northern latitudes never stop getting #1 in their fuels. Some southern ones never get #1. There are tables calling our average annual temperatures vs cloud points to specify what areas get what blends. Some companies opt to blend theirs differently for all kinds of reasons. Take southern fuel up north in the winter, and you very well may see gelling/waxing issues. The market is so variable that we should only speak in geographical generalities.
There are lubricity minimums applied to diesel fuels as per standards. Additives are added by vendors to get fuels up to these standards.
The US has some of the dirtiest diesel in the world (petrochemical companies refuse to maintain their pipelines and tanks, and actively resist regulation to provide better quality fuels). Use good fuel filters and water separators. Change the latter often. Rust kills fuel systems from the inside as fast as it kills sheetmetal from the outside, and takes way less of it to do so. Conversely, Central America and Oceania had some of the cleanest.
Diesel is highly stable compared to gasoline. It does have a shelf life, but it is considerably longer than 30 days. Water content plays a role in shortening it as it encourages biological activity. Again, local mixes will vary this time.
There are lubricity minimums applied to diesel fuels as per standards. Additives are added by vendors to get fuels up to these standards.
The US has some of the dirtiest diesel in the world (petrochemical companies refuse to maintain their pipelines and tanks, and actively resist regulation to provide better quality fuels). Use good fuel filters and water separators. Change the latter often. Rust kills fuel systems from the inside as fast as it kills sheetmetal from the outside, and takes way less of it to do so. Conversely, Central America and Oceania had some of the cleanest.
Diesel is highly stable compared to gasoline. It does have a shelf life, but it is considerably longer than 30 days. Water content plays a role in shortening it as it encourages biological activity. Again, local mixes will vary this time.
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- Thread starter
- #38
You're mistaken. The article I linked points out that there was an explosion in 2011, NOT 2022.
Rocky Mtn Hilux
The article about a diesel shortage was definitely from 2011.
