Just Venting @#!@ Diesel Fuel Price - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

meltedpanda · #1 10-24-2005, 04:00 PM

So I'm screwed now because I own a diesel. Go figure, RUL at less than $2.20 a gallon, Diesel now at $3.25. Need to get the ol 71 220 running soon.

whunter · #2 10-24-2005, 04:17 PM

$3.69 per gallon really sucks.

SVO = Straight Vegitable Oil from Sams club is $2.70 per gallon.

Kerosene is $3.69 per gallon, used to thin Vegitable Oil during cold weather.

tkotanch · #3 10-24-2005, 04:52 PM

Biodiesel is running about $2.85 out here in Phoenix. That's about the price of premium gas and less than dino which sells from $2.99 - $3.29. And it smokes a lot less.

ready-ronnie · #4 10-24-2005, 08:15 PM

This diesel price is a bunch of bull. You guys need to be writing to your representatives. Just because freight companies can pass along fuel increases the oil companies think they can get away with it. I have not even heard a reason why its a dollar more than regular. This price is killing the farmers around hear.
When people really started to complain and congress started to investagate, suddenly the price of gas started droping, duh

pwogaman · #5 10-24-2005, 08:28 PM

I just paid $2.199 for gas. Diesel was $3.199 at the same station. I'm not so good at algebra, but I think that crosses the threshold for using the lower mileage gasser for a while. I filled the diesel last night for $2.999, so it will sit.

boneheaddoctor · #6 10-24-2005, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pwogaman

I just paid $2.199 for gas. Diesel was $3.199 at the same station. I'm not so good at algebra, but I think that crosses the threshold for using the lower mileage gasser for a while. I filled the diesel last night for $2.999, so it will sit.

where did you buy $2.99 diesel at in our area?

PatrickW · #7 10-24-2005, 08:44 PM

Regular gas $2.24. Diesel $3.69.

That's $1.45 more per gallon.

My wife wants to buy a new car and get rid of her Ford Explorer. I mentioned "How 'bout a new Diesel VW?".

Her response? "I don't think diesels are such a good idea anymore. The fuel is so much more expensive. Even if they do get better milage, is it really worth it? I think a small gas engine car makes more sense now".

So much for convincing the public of the merits of diesel...

- Patrick

pwogaman · #8 10-24-2005, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boneheaddoctor

where did you buy $2.99 diesel at in our area?

At the McLean Exxon. The Sunoco next door has it for $3.189. Go figure.

#9 10-24-2005, 09:14 PM

Patrick,

Congratulations on having a wife with her brain in gear. The advantages that diesels used to have over gas engines are going away fast. When I ran diesels alot in the seventies, eighties and even into the nineties, diesel fuel was cheaper than regular gas. In addition, compared to carbureted gas engines, diesels lasted alot longer and got much better fuel mileage.

Now that we have injected gas engines, they not only last longer but also get better fuel mileage. The diesel advantages have narrowed if not totally disappeared when you factor in the difference in fuel prices.

A very perceptive woman you have there.

Good luck,

braverichard · #10 10-24-2005, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ready-ronnie

This diesel price is a bunch of bull. You guys need to be writing to your representatives. Just because freight companies can pass along fuel increases the oil companies think they can get away with it. I have not even heard a reason why its a dollar more than regular. This price is killing the farmers around hear.
When people really started to complain and congress started to investagate, suddenly the price of gas started droping, duh

Hey, I've often thought about that. Where do I get the information for contacting our state representative(s)? I know the name of one of them but have no idea of how to contact them.

#11 10-24-2005, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ready-ronnie

This diesel price is a bunch of bull. You guys need to be writing to your representatives. Just because freight companies can pass along fuel increases the oil companies think they can get away with it. I have not even heard a reason why its a dollar more than regular. This price is killing the farmers around hear.
When people really started to complain and congress started to investagate, suddenly the price of gas started droping, duh

ronnie, I think you need to get a grip. The government does not set fuel prices. Diesel prices are up for a number of reasons including world demand, heating oil deman and other factors.

If it is discovered that the oil companies are violating anti-trust laws you can bet that they will be prosecuted. Nothing would win more support for a politician right now than catching the oil companies in a price fixing game.

We have rocked along for over 20 years with fuel prices staying relatively steady. They have finally caught up with us, and adjusted for inflation still are not at an all time high. You could always move to Europe or most other parts of the world where they pay $6 to $8 a gallon.

Consider yourself lucky that our fuel prices are as low as they are and stop trying to find someone to blame for it.

Have a great day,

Whiskeydan · #12 10-24-2005, 09:30 PM

What are the petro companys try to force us into now?
Its seems to be working. Folks are steering away from the more "fuel efficient" diesel vehicle due to the inflated cost of fuel.
I can't help but think its a plan.
Then there are those helicopters...

I'm upset because my wvo source has lost her lease. Gonna have to beat the streets to find a new one.

bill murrow · #13 10-24-2005, 09:37 PM

Hmmm...guess we're lucky here.

Diesel is at $2.79 and RUG is $2.43 so, with what I have to drive, the diesel is still cheapest.

Boy, you guys do have a point....the price of diesel sure has taken the fun out of owning one.

When diesel was .60/gal and RUG was $1.20 I had a smile.

But those days are gone forever I'm afraid.

Supply and demand really suck......

Cheers,

Bill

braverichard · #14 10-24-2005, 09:44 PM

With diesel currently at $3.55 over here as I type this - with some stations selling it for as high as $3.70, I'm beginning to think it is finally time to get a WVO kit installed in the car and to start collecting WVO and going through the filtration and so on. I've just never felt I'd have the time to go through all that's involved in it, but it is seeming like I will just have to make out that time.

BodhiBenz1987 · #15 10-24-2005, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ready-ronnie

This diesel price is a bunch of bull. You guys need to be writing to your representatives. Just because freight companies can pass along fuel increases the oil companies think they can get away with it. I have not even heard a reason why its a dollar more than regular. This price is killing the farmers around hear.
When people really started to complain and congress started to investagate, suddenly the price of gas started droping, duh

I think it's related to the sudden rush on heating oil.

But as far as I'm concerned, if anything is being regulated and "protected" from price rises, it ought to be diesel, not gas. If gas is too expensive, a lot of people get screwed over, but if diesel is expensive, everybody gets screwed over. Diesel touches pretty much everybody because of its importance in so many industries. Unless you're Amish, chances are something you buy depends on diesel.

The whole thing fascinates me. It's an extremely complicated issue, and sometimes I'm not sure they shouldn't just let fuel prices go nuts all around. The fact is, we're talking about something in seriously limited supply that is being demanded by WAY too many consumers than it can possibly support in the long run. Something's gotta give.