This news may not be surprising, considering the cost of diesel. However, this PickupTrucks.com article is the first I've seen that speaks directly to how this is affecting the prices and demand of diesel-powered trucks; that is is terms of actual numbers. Prior to this latest diesel price spike, diesel-powered trucks were in high demand, and as such, commanded a premium new and on used truck lots. That has now reversed itself, at least with used diesels, as their resale values have dropped on average $5,900...
ateixeira says:
01:58 PM, 06/ 9/08
It will only get worse. As more diesel options become available, demand goes up, so diesel prices will go up.
In my area it's about 20% more than gas, which eats up pretty much all the efficiency gains.
firstwagon says:
05:37 PM, 06/ 9/08
I don't think so. The amount of diesel used by cars and light trucks is insignificat compared to heavy truck and other diesel equipment.
This morning diesel was 143.9 cents/litre while regular was 146.8 cents/litre.
It's a mystery as to why US is over charged for diesel. You're being hosed.
estreka says:
03:50 AM, 06/10/08
Now's the time to buy a diesel. Eventually diesel prices will go down, whether by lobbyist-initiated subsidies (companies like Walmart are getting hit hard by high diesel prices) or a correction in the market.
Don't forget, diesels offer more value than simply mileage. They're better for towing, last much longer, and require less mnx.
flicmod says:
06:35 AM, 06/10/08
I say the government and oil industry don't WANT us to buy diesel. Diesel fuel prices are historically on par with regular grade gas... give or take a few cents. Ever since the automakers have announced increased plans to develop diesel engines for their US vehicles (ie. Honda's D-TEC, VW's new TDI, M-B's Blu-Tec, etc.) diesel prices have started to rise.
If, in actuality, there is an increased demand for diesel, then, in theory, there should be a decreased demand for regular gas. Prices for diesel rises because of demand, then prices of regular gas should fall because of demand. Cause and effect. But it hasn't done that.
I don't think the oil industry wants us to buy diesel because it's not as fuel-INefficient as regular gas is. We'd be buying less diesel than gas (in the long run) so they're ultimately losing out on the supply sold. So, to help stymie the demand for diesel, they raise the price significantly (in Harrisburg, PA, the price for diesel is about 30 cents more than premium) to deter people from buying it.
But that's just my theory... :-)
desmolicious says:
05:04 PM, 06/10/08
I'm widge you flicmod. Big Oil will do whatever it takes to make sure we drive fuel inefficient cars. And if that doesn't work they'll pick one of the following excuses out of a hat to raise or keep prices inflated:
1/ It's going to be a bad hurricane season
2/ Rumblings in the middle east
3/ Just had to take a refinery off line for required maintenance.
flicmod says:
06:07 AM, 06/11/08
Glad someone else on here isn't afraid to be labeled a "radical" for believing in the truth! Thanks, des :-)