Why do Diesel prices seem to fluctuate so much in relation to Gas prices.?

For years it was lower that gas, then the last couple of years it was higher for a while, then stayed quite a bit lower for a few months, now lately its almost the same as Gas. Isnt diesel easier to refine, and doesnt the demand for it pretty much stay steady?

Answer:
Diesel IS easier to refine.

What you're seeing is two different fluctuations.

The past couple of years crude oil was at an alltime high, which drove up prices for both fuels. Specifically, most diesel consumers (trucks) could not immediately cut back on demand so the prices went very high.

Lately, the high fuel prices have been caused by lack of refining capacity. As you noted, diesel is less expensive to refine so the price was lower.



As for the recent hike, my guess is "Summer Driving Season".
big oil has just about driven the gasoline consumer to the limit,so they back off on gasoline,raise the price on diesel,drop the price on gasoline,diesel will remain high until the trucking industry,starts complaining,so now the gasoline consumer fells good abouth the drop in price of gas,then it starts all over,the big oil knows when to back off,thats why gasoline and diesel seldom rise at the same time,but do they not return to the same or higher price per gallon each time?it may take awhile but itll get there..p.s doesnot the price offset each other ?

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