Diesel prices rediculous!!

External Since: May 01, 2005 Posts: 3

"Harry" writes:

> "Juan Hanglow" wrote
>
>> $7.35 here in the UK (£0.95 litre)
>
> Point well taken, but here in the US truckers sometimes go 3500
> miles cross country for *one stop*. At least in the UK there would
> be much more stops in much less distance making the price of the
> fuel more cost effective per delivery cost. (obviously, not a
> trucker, by the way)

Perhaps the way goods are transported should be rethought then? Could
the goods be produced closer to where they are sold? (Instead of the
other side of the country or the world.) Of course this isn't possible
in all cases.

The current state of affairs was built on the assumption of low energy
costs (which leads to low shipping costs). This assumption will
probably no longer be true in the not too distant future.

BTW, does anyone know if there are hybrid systems tractor units? I've
heard of trains using a turbine to create electricity, and then use it
to drive electric engines, but not too much about hybrid trucks.

--
David Magda <dmagda at ee.ryerson.ca>
Because the innovator has for enemies all those who have done well under
the old conditions, and lukewarm defenders in those who may do well
under the new. -- Niccolo Machiavelli, _The Prince_, Chapter VI

External Since: Apr 17, 2005 Posts: 8

> That will happen shortly after you realize that we're rotten with crude
> oil and need more refineries to make use of the stuff. The U.S. has not
> built a new refinery in nearly 30 years. Environmentalists and NIMBYs have
> seen to that. From the bottom of my very empty pocket, I give my heartfelt
> thanks.

Oh, wait -- I think I've got the perfect answer. First, let's get rid
of all environmental laws. Then, let's give a few billions of our tax
dollars to the oil companies, so they can build their new refineries
without putting too much of a dent in their profits.

Perfect! So obvious, I wonder why the Republicans haven't thought of it
yet.