Fuel facts (and fiction)
Fleet managers are tasked with sorting out the unbiased truth when it comes to today’s fuel choices.
Used oil is worth the real money
West Texas crude costs approximately $80 per barrel as I’m writing this column, so it makes this month’s subject seem irrelevant. However, the price of crude will be back over $100 per barrel soon. Inflation and higher worldwide demand, as expected, will combine to increase prices significantly. Used oil is becoming a valuable commodity due
Natural gas, the new panacea?
Widespread incorporation of “fracking” and subsequent media attention has significantly increased natural gas production.
Politics and fuel prices
Diesel fuel prices are high, and they should continue to increase, barring a worldwide recession – find out how politics come into play when it comes to fuel prices.
PC-11 means improved fuel economy
The new PC-11 diesel lube oil specification, scheduled to take effect in 2017, is primarily driven by fuel economy and reduction of greenhouse gas.
(Bio)Diesel is still winning
Last year, 1 million gallons of biodiesel were produced in the U.S. Biodiesel producers say they will produce 30% more in 2012.
Corn-based ethanol fuel update
A new Farm Bill developed by September 2012 could mean a tightening of corn-based ethanol expenditures until the budget deficit can be reduced.
Predicting future energy is easy; reaching it isn’t
The need for a national energy policy is now, since all of our national alcohol and biodiesel tax credits, except the tax credit for cellulosic biodiesel fuel, expired Dec. 31.
Playing politics with our energy independence
“We should insist upon action toward development of a national energy policy from each of our future political candidates.”
Invest to improve your fleet’s fuel operation
You can question the EPA’s authority to set fuel economy standards without congressional approval, but the result is favorable for end users.
Selecting fleet fuels
This month, I’ll further explain how I developed last month’s perspective on fleet fuel selection. Diesel fuel is my choice when it comes to maximizing fuel economy, because it is so energy efficient. No other hydrocarbon packs so much energy in so little space, and improved fuel economy significantly reduces crude oil imports. Energy forecasters
Selecting fuels for your fleet – now and in the future
I’m certainly glad I don’t manage a fleet. Selecting fleet fuels is a difficult job in the best of times, but how can you do it properly in the midst of all the recent discussions and turmoil? For some fleets, stockholders insist that your fleet is "green," yet your operation must show a profit. Environmental