As people around the nation have probably kept noticing the pricing on diesel continues to stay high while gas seems to keep falling.  Here in Dallas I’ve seen prices as low as $2.17 for unleaded, while diesel has only fallen to $2.69.

There are several reasons why. Mark Madeja is with AAA. “Well blame it on supply and demand, and right now, demand is high and supplies are very, very tight.” Madeja says there are more diesel operating vehicles being produced worldwide which has impacted diesel consumption.

Gas prices usually drop this time of year, when the summer peak driving season is over and supplies aren’t as tight. But that isn’t the gas with the supply of diesel, which remains more constant because of the fuel needed in the trucking industry.

Refineries are working right now to meet new EPA diesel standards, which require lowering sulfur levels by October 15th. Mark Madeja: “Industry analysts say right now, diesel prices are going to remain high for probably the next month or so. But once the refiners are able to produce these new EPA blends, the prices should start to fall back.”

Another reason the supply of diesel is tight right now is that refineries are producing less diesel, in order to make more heating fuel for many people living in the northeastern United States.

I really enjoyed this comment from Captain Obvious:

Mark Gibson hopes it drops even more, which would be good news to his wallet. “In reality, back down to, if it would get down to the two dollars a gallon and stay there, it would be a lot better.”

Anyway there’s a bit more solid of an answer of the continued high prices.

Article

It looks like Dodge took the Charger and shrank it.

DETROIT – Will Dodge’s bold styling attract buyers in international markets?

The Chrysler group is testing those waters with the front-drive Dodge Avenger concept sedan it will display next week at the Paris auto show.

The Avenger is about the same size as the Chrysler Sebring sedan, which in international markets is classified as the D segment. In a press release, the automaker said the concept “hints at the next-generation global D-segment vehicle from Dodge.”

Industry sources say the Avenger is nearly identical to the 2008 Dodge Avenger that goes on sale next year. The Avenger will replace the Dodge Stratus sedan.

Chrysler group stylists worked from the Dodge Charger playbook in designing the Avenger’s C-pillar and rear-fender bulge that flows into the rear door.

The Avenger’s nose draws a family resemblance from the Dodge Caliber car.

The concept vehicle is fitted with 19-inch wheels and a spoiler on the trunk lid.

The automaker did not give any specifications or views of the Avenger’s interior today, when it released images of the exterior. A press release notes that the concept is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine that could be used in markets outside North America.

The press release quotes Trevor Creed, senior vice president of design for the Chrysler group: “Avenger brings Dodge-brand American muscle-car heritage into the global mid-size car segment.”

Figures another diesel we’ll never see in America.

Source: Autonews.com