Christmas Fish
4 hours ago
Friday, September 1, 2017
Fuel?
I was debating if I should bother getting any heating oil for the fall. Since we plan on heading south at the end of November, the heating season would not be that long for me. The situation with the Texas oil refineries inspired me to get a delivery. Shortages and price hikes may be in the works.
Wood is my main source of heat, but the furnace makes good backup. If I'm sick or injured, it's nice not to have to feed the woodstove. If we go away for a few days, there's no need to try and find someone to light the stove.
I'm not too worried about gasoline for the car. It gets terrific gas mileage so a price hike doesn't affect it all that much. The diesel in the van will get topped off. It runs mostly on waste veggie oil, but the engine and veggie tank have to be warmed up on diesel first.
In a real pinch I could use some of that heating oil in van as a diesel substitute. They are chemically quite similar. It's against the law as heating oil does not have road tax added to it. However, in an emergency you do what you have to do.
Previous Gulf refinery and pipeline problems caused supply issues on the East Coast. I haven't head of any problems yet, but it's not something they like to advertise. The threat of shortage can cause one if everyone decides to top off at the same time. My readership isn't large enough to cause that to happen, but I did want to give a heads up. The only shortages and price hikes I've heard of are right in the disaster zones.
If you've experienced shortages before you've probably already have a plan.
-Sixbears
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We are in TX but 300 miles north of Houston. Yesterday prices jumped 30 cents, from $2.15. Many stations ran out, long lines at those with fuel. One station at $5.00. Same true around DFW area. I filled up Monday.
ReplyDeleteI figured local TX deliveries would be the ones to feel it hardest. However, prices are even going up in New England. Not as bad, yet.
DeleteHome heating oil has taken a jump.
The lack of fuel down here in south Texas is becoming pretty bad, nearly all gas stations here are completely out, some still with diesel. I am down to 3/8 of a tank myself in my personal vehicle. I still have a choice of two others at home but still. Haven't seen this situation since the early 70's - took an embargo to do that.
ReplyDeleteWhen hurricane Rita hit, it took weeks before my in-laws in East TX could get enough fuel to leave the area. This is just the beginning.
DeleteGood luck!
Home heating oil IS diesel. Exactly the same product. Used to be they were different, but not anymore Except, of course, for the dye to make it obvious that it is not a (road) taxed fuel.
ReplyDeleteWhen Katrina caused issues, many distributors were given permission to blend HHO with diesel so trucks in the east could continue to roll.
Yeah, the dye is the big difference. They used to do a K1 blend for the winter fuels but don't do that anymore.
DeleteThere are choices, keep the trucks rolling or let people heat their homes. Not good.
Propane is my primary requirement in terms of fuel, and I just topped off the tanks in July. I may have to pay higher gasoline prices for a bit, but we are through traveling out of the area for awhile now.
ReplyDeleteGood to have things squared away. I know you've had fuel issues in the past. Glad you don't have to go far.
DeleteMy plan is to stay at home. Water runs away from my house so am still dry even though I am only 30 miles north of Houston.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you are doing well, Dizzy.
DeleteWe were in Gainesville, TX (50 miles or so north of Dallas) and saw the prices of gasoline as creeping up. We do happen to pay more for no ethanol.
ReplyDeleteI belong to a food co-op which trucks in from Oregon so am wondering if they will have price hikes. They are out of stock on many food items. Thankfully we have garden.
There are going to be disruptions across the board. Hopefully, they will be short lived. Time will tell.
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