Five US refineries out of approximately 114 currently are producing the ultra-low sulfur (15 parts per million) diesel fuel that will needed by heavy-duty trucks after 2007, Environmental Protection Agency officials said November 15. Another seven refineries are capable of making the fuel now, but have not commenced production. The officials said they believe 89% of the distillate refineries in this country will be making 15 ppm diesel by the 2007 deadline.
EPA officials said they are confident that supplies of 15 ppm diesel will meet demand as trucks with 2007 engines enter service over the next three years. They acknowledge, however, that regional shortages could occur as a result of distribution problems.
The officials were part of the Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel Implementation Workshop that was held November 15 and 16. The workshop focused on supply chain issues and was organized by the American Petroleum Institute, Association of American Railroads, American Trucking Associations, Independent Liquid Terminals Association, National Tank Truck Carriers, Petroleum Marketers Association of America, National Association of Truck Stop Operators, SIGMA, National Petroleum Refiners Association, Association of Oil Pipelines, and Independent Fuel Terminal Operators Association.
EDITOR’S NOTE: In the January 2005 issue, Modern Bulk Transporter will take a detailed look at the serious logistics challenges that must be overcome to avoid contamination in ultra-low sulfur diesel and ensure that that the fuel reaches consumers with a sulfur content that doesn’t exceed 15 ppm.