What happened
Reuters reported on Sept. 21 that U.S. diesel inventories had fallen to 107.9 million barrels by Sept. 11, the lowest level for this time of year since Energy Information Administration records began in 1982. Retail diesel topped $6 per gallon in the United States this month. Reuters linked the tight market to supply disruptions involving the wars in Iran and Ukraine, while data from storage-market participants showed more empty tank capacity becoming available because less diesel is available to store.
What drivers should do
The EIA forecast cited by Reuters expects U.S. distillate inventories to fall below 100 million barrels in September and remain below the five-year low through the end of 2026 and most of 2027. That is a forecast, not a guarantee: higher refinery output, weaker demand or changes in global supply could ease the pressure, while new disruptions could make it worse. Drivers should not assume a national shortage means every station will run out, but small carriers should prepare for volatile pump prices, regional differences and tighter margins over more than one billing cycle.
Why this matters to our community
Recalculate every load using the current pump price on the planned route and your truck’s actual MPG. Put the fuel-surcharge formula, base fuel price, update frequency and payment timing in writing; a surcharge that arrives weeks later can still create a cash-flow gap. Compare revenue per total mile after deadhead, tolls, reefer fuel and card fees, and set a minimum all-in rate that covers operating cost plus profit. Plan fuel stops by route and tax strategy without taking unsafe detours, reduce idle time, maintain tire pressure and combine nearby pickups or deliveries when practical. Keep a weekly cash reserve and review fuel-card limits, settlement deductions and broker credit before accepting long trips. Useful English terms include distillate inventory, five-year low, fuel surcharge, base fuel price, actual MPG, all-in rate, deadhead and cash-flow gap.