PITTSFIELD — Remember when buying and operating a diesel-engine vehicle was a good way to save fuel costs? Not anymore.
In fact, operating a diesel-engine vehicle of any kind is more expensive then an engine using regular gasoline. Case in point, a listener pointed out that the price of diesel at XtraMart in North Adams on Monday was a whopping $4.26; it's $4.21 in Great Barrington and Pittsfield.
Besides private diesel-powered vehicles, think of how many larger trucks, tractor-trailers, school buses and even locomotive engines are powered with diesel fuel. Compared to previous months, the federal Energy Information Administration shows the price of diesel spiking sharply higher since February and more than double what it was last year.
<L2>The average price of diesel fuel was usually lower than gasoline until a few years ago, when worldwide demand began rising. In the United States, the transition to low-sulfur diesel fuel has affected production and distribution costs and federal excise tax on diesel fuel is 6 cents higher per gallon than the tax on gasoline.
According to an Associated Press report, the American Trucking Association is calling it a "crisis situation" and is asking Congress and the Bush administration to increase the availability of diesel fuel any way possible. The trucking industry is expecting to spend $135 billion in fuel costs this year, compared to $112.6 billion last year.
No wonder the cost of transportation and goods and services that use diesel-fuel vehicles are going sky high.
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This news item is only part of the story.
Yes diesel is ridiculously priced right now but:
1) Diesel is always more expensive then gas in the winter due to additives to prevent cold weather jelling.
2) At 50 mpg the TDi diesel engine is still less expensive to run then most gas engines
3) Biodiesel a environmentally non petroleum fuel which can be used on almost all diesel engines has not yet seen such jumps in price.
Please fully research a story before you buy into propaganda from those who would prefer that we continue to use regular gas.
I have to agree with John on this one. Why do you think diesel cars are so popular in Europe (hint: check out gas prices over there). Manufacturers are finally starting to smarten up and are now selling many of the diesel models they have sold in Europe, for many years, in the United States. As John mentioned, diesel engines are superior in terms of fuel mileage and flexibility in the fuels they can use (ie bio-diesel or vegetable oil).
Friday Front Porch Feature: A Charming House Like New
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
The home prior to renovations.
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Are you looking for a newly renovated home with great space? Then this might be the perfect fit for you!
Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week, we are showcasing 100 Autumn Drive.
This three-bedroom, two-bathroom split level was built in 1965 and is 1,396 square feet on 0.32 acres.
The house was completely renovated recently. It includes a one-car garage, and comes with appliances including a dishwasher and stove/oven, and other major appliances.
The house is listed for $359,500.
We spoke with owners Michael Zeppieriand Chris Andrews, who did the renovations. Zeppieri is an agent with Alton and Westall Real Estate Agency.
What was your first impression when you walked into the home?
Zeppieri: I purchased this home to do a full renovation flip and saw tremendous potential in this mid-century split level home that had not been updated since it was built in the 1960s, in a great North Adams neighborhood.
Andrews: The house was a much different house when we first purchased it in 2022 (photo attached is from about 2010.) The interior was painted all in dark colors and we brightened it up with neutral colors. The transformation makes you feel like you are in a totally different house.
What were the recent renovations, any standout design features?
Zeppieri: The house has had a complete reconfiguration including new kitchen with high-end appliances, ceramic tiled baths, hardwood floors, new windows and roof ... just to name a few. All a buyer has to do is move in and enjoy.
Andrews: Yes, we renovated the entire house. New windows, new roof, all new custom black gutter system, new blacktop driveway, hardwood floors were installed through out the house. New kitchen and bathrooms as well as painting the exterior and interior of the house. New paver patio in the back yard.
What kind of buyer would this home be ideal for?
Zeppieri: The buyer for this home could be a first-time homebuyer or a retiree ... the location is close to attractions in North Adams ... and the property is located in Autumn Heights, which is a very small residential development with several long-term owners.
Andrews: This home is truly ideal for a variety of buyers. Whether a first-time homebuyer, a small family or even someone looking to downsize from a larger home.
What do you think makes this property stand out in the current market?
Zeppieri: The location, price and move-in condition of this home make it a true market leader in the North Adams Market.
Andrews: This house is completely renovated and in a desirable location of North Adams. The natural light in the home really makes the interior pop. And with all the upgrades the home stays quite cool in the summer months.
Do you know any unique stories about the home or its history?
Zeppieri: This home was built for the Gould family in 1969 and they lived there till 2010. It was always a family home during that time in which the Goulds had two children ... and Virgina Gould managed Mohawk Forest Apartments and was a very active resident of North Adams.
Andrews: Built in about 1965.
What do the current owners love about this home?
Zeppieri: As the current owner it was a fun project to transform this home and get it ready for its next adventure with a new family to enjoy for many years.
Andrews: No one has lived in the house since we purchased the home. The new owners would be the first to live in the house since the renovations have been completed.
What would you say to a buyer trying to imagine their life in this space?
Andrews: I would suggest seeing the house either on a sunny day or at twilight to really get a vision of how special the home feels.
You can find out more about this house on its listing here.
*Front Porch Feature brings you an exclusive to some of the houses listed on our real estate page every week. Here we take a bit of a deeper dive into a certain house for sale and ask questions so you don't have to.
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