Good question Bill. On the
Good question Bill. On the West Coast there are only 3 refineries that produce off -road and # 2 automotive diesel fuel. One of those three is generally in -shutdown due to maintenance, repairs of modernization.In my most qualified opinion( worked for Standard Oil in a past incarnation,) the price of diesel fuel is kept at an artificially high level by the refiners. As to road tax? I don't know that diesel is taxed any higher than gasoline. But I'd have to research that a bit. I believe the " cracking" process to be the same in Europe. However, the demand for auto grade diesel is higher due to the increased popularity of diesel fueled autos.