"Stronger fuel demand tells us a recovery is underway." Those are the words of API's Chief Economist John Felmy today, describing the good news in API's Monthly Statistical Report for November. The report shows that U.S. petroleum deliveries (a measure of demand) climbed 6.5 percent last month over November 2009. The increase was the largest year-to-year increase for any month in 2010.

Deliveries of Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) fuel--the type that is required for all on-road diesel vehicles, including trucks delivering goods--jumped by 13.2 percent in November. Gasoline deliveries rose 3.2 percent last month as compared to the same time period last year.

"Fuel demand continues to strengthen, a positive sign for our economy," John said. "Gasoline deliveries are up three months in a row an... more »

Did you know that today's diesel-powered light-duty vehicles must meet the same stringent emission requirements as gasoline-powered models?API helped those diesel vehicles meet the same air quality standards as gasoline vehicles in two ways. First, by producing Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) fuel, which burns more cleanly than earlier forms of diesel fuel. And second, by developing a certification program for Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF). DEF is a liquid that is injected into the exhaust system of diesel vehicles from a container located under the hood in most cars. The DEF hydrolyzes into ammonia when injected into the exhaust, and the ammonia reacts with the nitrogen oxide (NOX, which is a precursor to ground-level ozone formation) in the catalyst and converts it to pure nitrogen and water... more »