Do you remember, about 20 years' ago, when diesel was much cheaper than gasoline? Some car manufacturers were even promoting diesel-powered cars as economical transportation. I did some research and found out why it is more expensive. "Several factors have contributed to making diesel more expensive. A requirement that diesel fuel in the United States be ultra-low sulfur diesel helped cut down on emissions and lowered pollution, but it also increased the manufacturing cost. Diesel is heavily used in multiple industries that continue to expand, like trucking, shipping, agriculture and construction. The federal excise tax for on-highway diesel fuel is 6 cents higher than the tax on gasoline. The time of year can also play a role. Diesel and heating oil come from similar parts of the refining process. When demand for those products is high, diesel can rise. Refineries in the United States can produce about 19 to 20 gallons of gasoline and 11 to 12 gallons of ultra-low sulfur diesel from one 42-gallon barrel of crude oil, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration." (MSN)
That ultra-low sulfur requirement must have been missed by the guy who arbitrarily negates any existing environmental protection legislation in the good old USA.
