• Higher pump prices ahead

    Consumers will likely be paying higher prices at the gas pump in coming years as new federal regulations to reduce sulfur in gasoline begin to take effect in 2004, according to a new report from Fitch Ratings. The gasoline regulations will be followed by new on-road diesel rules in 2006 and then off-road diesel changes by the end of the decade. The costs to meet the regulations are high, with U.S.
    July 10, 2003
    Consumers will likely be paying higher prices at the gas pump in coming years as new federal regulations to reduce sulfur in gasoline begin to take effect in 2004, according to a new report from Fitch Ratings. The gasoline regulations will be followed by new on-road diesel rules in 2006 and then off-road diesel changes by the end of the decade.

    The costs to meet the regulations are high, with U.S. petroleum refiners alone expected to invest over $10 billion for just the gasoline and on-road diesel regulations, according to Fitch.

    In its report, Fitch said it expects U.S. refiners to ultimately benefit from the increasingly stringent regulations as refined product supply is removed from the market. Despite a deferral period for some refineries to convert, some less competitive refiners will still be unable to meet the new regulations and will shut down their facilities.

    Refinery closures translate into a drop in production, creating demand in the surviving refineries, Fitch said.

    Voice your opinion!

    To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of FleetOwner, create an account today!

    Sign up for our free eNewsletters

    Latest from News

    Patton Logistics Group
    Patton Logistics Group includes Watsontown Trucking (No. 248 on the FleetOwner 500: For-Hire list), Patton Warehousing, and Patton Logistics.
    FleetOwner 500 for-hire carrier adds dozens of trucks, hundreds of trailers, maintenance facilities, and much more warehousing real estate and potential for its Patton Logistics...
    ID 186175420 © Noipornpan | Dreamstime.com
    medical examination
    A new rule implemented by FMCSA will require that driver medical exam results be submitted electronically and within a calendar day of the examination.
    Josh Fisher | FleetOwner
    On-highway diesel pump prices sat at $3.775 per gallon, up from June 16’s $3.571 average. While it didn’t see the same price hike, average U.S. gasoline prices also increased by more than 7 cents this week, according to EIA, which tracked the fuel at $3.213.
    Middle East conflict helps fuel pump price surges nationwide. Gas is up to $3.213 per gallon; diesel is $3.775, but analyst doesn’t expect ‘apocalyptic spikes’ to continue.
    FleetOwner helps commercial fleet executives and maintenance managers who oversee the operations of five or more vehicles. FleetOwner's award-winning editorial and veteran sales staff help trucking industry leaders improve operations and vehicle maintenance and better understand industry regulations and emerging transportation technology. Engaging more than half a million commercial vehicle professionals every month, FleetOwner maintains the largest audience of commercial truck fleet executives available to the industry. Endeavor Business Media Commercial Vehicle Group affiliates Fleet Maintenance, Bulk Transporter, Trailer|Body Builders, Refrigerated Transporter, and For the Driver help FleetOwner reach the entire North American over-the-road transportation and freight industries.
    Newsletters
    The top stories, industry insights and relevant research, assembled by our editors and delivered to your inbox.
    Connect
    Follow us for the latest industry news and insights.
    https://www.facebook.com/fleetowner
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/fleetowner/
    https://twitter.com/fleetowner
    Affiliated Brands
    © 2025 All rights reserved.