Shortages of California fuel continue
WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (April 8) — The California Trucking Association has asked Governor Gray Davis to temporarily suspend the requirement for California trucking companies to use the special “California only ” diesel fuel required by state law.
The specially formulated diesel, which is designed to cut down on particulates that cause smog, is in short supply following fires at several California refineries that produce the fuel. The price for a gallon of diesel fuel has increased over 32 cents in the last four weeks, and some sellers are allocating purchases to 50% of normal and discussing limits on sales to an odd/even day schedule.
“With five oil companies and nine refineries in the state, any disruption in supply is a threat to small trucking companies pushed out of the market by price and supply,” said Joel D. Anderson, the association’s executive vice-president.
Railroads and off-road diesel equipment are allowed to purchase lower-cost federal diesel.
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