Fuel demand increasing in Midwest states
A pipeline disruption combined with winter weather conditions are impacting the fuel supply chain, particularly across the Midwest.
On Nov. 27, the Enterprise pipeline system operations were limited, affecting terminals throughout Wisconsin and surrounding states, Wisconsin officials said.
This disruption has heightened demand specifically for residential heating fuel.
Additionally, long wait times at Wisconsin terminals and the need to truck petroleum over long distances are complicating the matter.
A fuel emergency is in effect through Jan. 2, providing hours-of-service relief for motor carriers and drivers in Wisconsin transporting residential heating fuels.
The exemption applies to all highways in Wisconsin.
Motor carriers transporting residential heating fuel for hire must have proper authority to operate in the state, the Wisconsin declaration said.
Iowa has issued a similar emergency over “extensive fuel challenges.”
Timely access to heating fuel products, including propane, for rural portions of the state is a concern listed in the Iowa declaration.
A temporary hours-of-service waiver is effective for crews and drivers delivering propane, heating oil, natural gas and other fuels for residential, agricultural and commercial heating purposes through Jan. 3.
Relief in Iowa applies to all state roads.
Drivers are not required to carry a copy of the order.
The latest fuel prices are available on this Land Line resources page.
According to ProMiles.com, the price per gallon for diesel was $3.57 in Wisconsin and Iowa on Monday, Dec. 8.
AAA listed average prices of $3.528 (Iowa) and $3.542 (Wisconsin) on Tuesday, Dec. 9.
The Energy Information Administration’s weekly fuel report said the average fuel price was $3.635 in the Midwest region.
Extending exemptions?
A Wisconsin-based specialty contractor company, Northern Clearing, recently requested an hours-of-service exemption from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Northern Clearing said the typical relief window, “does not cover long-term infrastructure rehabilitation once the immediate threat has passed.”
The request was denied with FMCSA citing clarity and evidence.
“FMCSA lacks information to conclude that the requested exemption would likely achieve a level of safety equivalent to, or greater than, the level achieved under current regulations,” the agency wrote. LL