Diesel users fail to benefit at service stations as gasoline prices plummet

Truck owners are among those who are not receiving a break at the pumps

While a visit to the local gas station has the majority of motorists enjoying a price break, the cost at the diesel pump remains relatively high.

The dropping price of oil has resulted in a gasoline price reduction, but diesel users, including truck operators, have not seen any savings.

The current cost of diesel has truckers parting with large amounts of funds when filling their massive tanks. Transportation costs make up a large per cent of the sticker price on retail goods.

“It’s very expensive for us, definitely,” said Bill Wilson, a truck owner and operator. “Four to five years ago it was an eight per cent fuel surcharge so it comes out of our pocket first, but then we get it back. It’s the consumer that ends up paying for it.”

Unlike gasoline, diesel is not subject to seasonal demand and massive industries rely on the commodity, which keeps demand, and price, high.

According to analysts, crude oil export bans in the United States, contributes to worldwide demand for refined products and increases the price. A large percentage of Canadian diesel is exported to capitalize on international demand, and the reduced supply keeps prices up at Canadian pumps.