Because of various problems relating to fuel supplies in Colorado as a result of fuel refinery problems, pipeline industry shutdowns and mechanical difficulties, the state’s fuel transporters are needing to travel greater distances to obtain fuel supplies and in many cases wait in long lines to fill their tankers.
The longer distances, combined with significant wait times — upward to four hours — at fuel distribution points, have made it difficult for fuel haulers to get product and deliver supplies to their customers under current hours-of-service rules, according to the Colorado Motor Carriers Association.
To help alleviate the problem, CMCA — in conjunction with the Colorado Petroleum Marketers — requested that the chief of the Colorado State Patrol issue a temporary exception to intrastate carriers of gasoline and diesel fuel from the HOS regulations. The exception is valid until June 8 at 5 p.m. MDT, or at the time fuel supplies recover to regular capacity, whichever occurs first.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the nation’s most expensive diesel fuel last week was in the Rocky Mountain region, at $2.998 per gallon. While the average U.S. diesel price fell for the fourth straight week, the Rocky Mountain region was the only area that experienced a price increase.
