In what I’m sure is true nationwide, fuel usage dropped in California nearly 12.5% in March. Airlines are flying less. The Middle East is opening more supply. China raised it’s fuel prices 18%. And all the other ripples that have happened from high oil prices. All of this begs the question…Why are oil prices still breaking records daily?

From mecurynews.com

Californians continue to drive less, trying to save a few bucks from gas prices that remain at near record levels.

The use of diesel fuel dropped nearly 12.5 percent in March from the same month a year ago, the largest monthly decline since 2004, according to figures released today by the Board of Equalization. This is the second consecutive quarter diesel consumption has declined.
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From autonews.com

Bruce Crower has lived, breathed and built hot engines his whole life. Now he’s working on a cool one—one that harnesses normally-wasted heat energy by creating steam inside the combustion chamber, and using it to boost the engine’s power output and also to control its temperature.

“I’ve been trying to think how to capture radiator losses for over 30 years,” explains the veteran camshaft grinder and race engine builder. “One morning about 18 months ago I woke up, like from a dream, and I knew immediately that I had the answer.”

Hurrying to his comprehensively-equipped home workshop in the rural hills outside San Diego, he began drawing and machining parts, and installing them in a highly modified, single-cylinder industrial powerplant, a 12-hp diesel he converted to use gasoline. He bolted that to a test frame, poured equal amounts of fuel and water into twin tanks, and pulled the starter-rope.
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I would be curious to know how the stop-start technique affects the lifespan of the starter, or if that’s never taken account of because they just want to see the mpg’s. Anyway, the damn leftists wasting oil is a pretty interesting find.

From tampabays10.com

Clearwater, FL– UPS drivers are trying to save some gas by only making right turns. So- how do they do it? Tampabay’s 10 news reporter Dave Balut explains.

UPS is known for its brown trucks. But here’s something you may not know: the drivers of those trucks make it a point to only turn right.
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Rising from the ashes of it first attempt, Earthrace has smashed the world record for the fastest circumnavigation of the globe by speedboat. The biodiesel-powered trimaran sailed into the Spanish port of Sagunto yesterday, just shy of 61 days since it set off. That took 14 days off the previous world record. Earthrace traveled the 24,000 nautical miles fueled by biodiesel to demonstrate the efficiency of alternative fuel sources.
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This would be great if they would pass the savings on to us, but I’m sure it will just mean more profit from a diesel car. Anyway, from nationalpost.com

In the precious metals universe, high gold and silver prices get the most attention. But the star performer in the sector is probably platinum - prices are up well over 50% in the last year because of power shortages in South Africa, the world’s biggest producer.
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HERNDON, Va.—Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced pricing for their eagerly anticipated Jetta TDI sedan and SportWagen starting at $21,990 and $23,590, respectively. Fuel efficiency, performance and convenience all come standard with the 50-state compliant Jetta sedan and SportWagen TDI, which meet the most stringent emissions standards in California and the world. Both models will be available this August.

“Our clean diesel vehicles offer consumers a true value with the fuel efficiency that drivers are looking for while providing power, utility and performance,” said Mark Barnes, COO, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “The Jetta TDI’s offer a no compromise alternative fuel driving experience.”
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There’s really not much to talk about lately besides truckers losing their trucks and people thinking of new and creative ways to steal fuel.

The latest in stealing fuel targets you and I now. It’s nearly impossible to find a fuel station that will let you pump anything without prepaying now so that eliminates the pump and run method. The other way is to siphon fuel out of the tank by opening the gas cap and sucking it out, but that’s been hindered by flaps and balls in the tank. Now that those aren’t really options anymore, thieves are just going up to your car and putting a hole in the tank and letting it drain, or cutting the fuel line to let it drain. If they puncture your fuel tank you’re probably looking at at least $400 or so for a repair bill. This is happening mainly to trucks and SUV’s since they have bigger tanks, but obviously it could happen to anyone so be aware.

To end this short update with a little good news diesel prices went down for the second straight week with this week dropping about 1.5 cents. Summer generally means a drop in diesel prices because we’re not really using heating oil any longer. Unfortunately that’s no longer a sure thing since there is no logic in oil barrel futures, just irrational speculation.