Diesel price changes

 From Gavin Mooney

Diesel prices have nearly doubled across much of the American heartland – and the impact of this extends far beyond the fuel pump.

The map compares February with September, showing particularly steep increases in states including Montana, Kentucky, Kansas, Missouri and Texas.

Diesel powers the trucks that are used to deliver goods, the tractors that grow food, as well as much of the machinery that builds roads and houses.

When diesel prices rise, businesses either absorb the extra cost or pass it on. Households feel the impact even if they don't own a diesel vehicle.

And the real sting? Producing oil at home doesn't insulate a country from globally traded fuel prices. (As we know all too well in Australia.)

And this is another reason to electrify freight and heavy machinery wherever practical. Reducing diesel dependence reduces exposure to the next fuel price shock.