What is “Hot Fuel”?
The phrase “hot fuel” refers to expanded diesel fuel or gasoline that is sold at retail pumps at temperatures higher than the century-old government standard of 60 degrees. That is the temperature/volume used in the petro-chemical industry to measure all petroleum liquids.
At the 60-degree standard, a gallon of fuel delivers a certain amount of measurable energy, or BTU. But when expanded by higher temperatures, that same amount of fuel actually delivers less energy.
The warmer the fuel, the less BTU and fewer miles to the gallons a vehicle will receive. Consequently, if a vehicle averages six miles per gallon, 200 gallons of 98-degree fuel is going to take a car or truck 36 fewer miles than 60-degree fuel.
What Can You Do?
You can:
- Contact your state governor about how your state weights and measure director is handling this issue. Ask that action be taken in favor of automatic temperature compensation.
- Let lawmakers know that all retail pumps should have automatic temperature compensation.
- Write a letter to you local newspaper editor
- Encourage friends and family to do the same
