Bio-fuels not providing relief at the pump

by Nora Gathings (hsgathings@wsbt.com)

Tools

The cost of some biofuels has surpassed diesel fuel. Only E-85 is cheaper right now

The cost of some biofuels has surpassed diesel fuel. Only E-85 is cheaper right now. (WSBT photo)

By WSBT News1

MISHAWAKA — Some people thought bio-fuels would help them save money, but it's not putting more money into everyone's pocket. Drivers say bio-diesel now costs $1 more per gallon than diesel.

Like diesel, bio-diesel prices fluctuate based upon the cost of crude oil, but it also changes because of the cost of soybeans.

A local seller says it's too early to tell whether this year's sales will be affected.

Not all forms of bio-fuel are skyrocketing. Some people are reaching for E85 and saving.

"I'm happy. I'm paying $2.89 versus $3.39," said a driver who uses E85. "Every time I fill up, I'm saving at least $10."

But only ethanol consumers are saving right now.

"The price of bio-diesel fluctuates along with the crude oil price," said Jason Lemler of Lemler Oil in Bourbon.

Lemler has purchased the soybean-based diesel alternative for five years.

"Our local farmers started pushing bio-diesel for their soybean use ... to get a little more out of their soybeans," he said.

Cold causes bio-diesel to congeal, so he only purchases it when it's warm.

That happens to be the time 95 percent of his clients need it.

"I'm sure here, in a few weeks when farmers get out, there will be more interest, but it depends on what the price is," said Lemler.

This year's supply will come from the bio-diesel plant in Claypool. It doesn't expect soybean prices to affect production or cost.

Cost isn't stopping some people from buying other bio-fuel, like E85.

"I'm trying to sell everyone this car," said one driver of her fuel flex mini-van.

AAA says gas stations in Hawaii and California started selling $4 gas this week.

With crude oil prices at an all-time high of $110 a barrel, more people say they're thinking about ethanol.

Wednesday, Mar 19 at 4:31 PM Mark wrote ...

So many comments from so many who are misinformed. Study after study has shown ethanol has a positive energy balance in terms of energy input versus output. How much money do you think the US spends supporting the petroleum industry? The answer is billions, including military costs to protect oil fields from terrorists. Even if the impact of home grown fuel is limited at least the money stays in this country and creates jobs and helps farmers. Whats wrong with that?

Wednesday, Mar 19 at 12:42 PM NoName wrote ...

Everyone ASSUMED alternative E was going to be cheaper! I work with the ethnol plant here in SB and unless we can produce non-food based ethanol from already existing sources (trash, other organic waste) then you will pay a whole lot more at the pump and you will pay more at the food store. Wheat and soybeans prices have already skyrocketed because everyone planted corn last year for the ethanol. The current EPA regulations forcing the increasing use of Ethanol will only reap more of the same

Wednesday, Mar 19 at 12:04 PM the right facts wrote ...

Bob what about the 500 plus tons of annual emissions, per ethanol plant ? What about the emissions from the trcators, combines and semi trucks ? Clean Air clean fuel yeah right. The website you posted is from MN the ethonal capital. Sounds like they made some huge donations to get their side (fiction) posted. A study from Stanford University finds that Ethanol cuases more pollution than gasoline.http://www.relocalize.net/ethanol_pollution_worse_than_gasoline

Wednesday, Mar 19 at 11:49 AM Anonymous wrote ...

Bio-fuels are not the long term solution to the problem. If E85 is 50 cents lower than the lowest priced gas, it meets the threshold of being economical. I live in Iowa, and E85 here is $2.40 a gallon, so it makes sense. The trick with E85 is to alternate. If you have a 50/50 mix of gas, and E85 in your vehicle, gas mileage is better. The solution is a mixture of electric, hydrogen, and other new technologies to create a broad market for consumers. E85/biodiesel are bridge fuels. Thank you

Wednesday, Mar 19 at 10:34 AM Anonymous wrote ...

I ride me bike !

Wednesday, Mar 19 at 9:50 AM Bob from ALAMN wrote ...

Some of you folks need to learn more about biofuels. Most biodiesel blends sold in Indiana is more diesel than bio. This differs from E85, which is 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. Lean more from the American Lung Association: www.CleanAirChoice.org

Wednesday, Mar 19 at 5:06 AM Trebor wrote ...

Bio-fuel is not the answer, I think electric or hybrid cars and nuclear energy is the way to go. Any money you save with bio-fuel you will spend more at the grocery store. The big three auto makers will help find a solution or else they will go under, they're feeling the pinch to.

Wednesday, Mar 19 at 2:41 AM Concerned wrote ...

Sounds like a lot of people are in agreement, that bio fuels are not the awnser. no one has mentioned the 3 plus gallons of ground water. That it takes to make one gallon of ethanol. Or that there are states already having problems with ground water. Or the fact that 200,000 people in the world will starve to death. You dont take food and ground water to drive our country. People need to stand up before we are all hungry and thirsty. Becuase the politicians think this is the answer.

Wednesday, Mar 19 at 12:02 AM Dave wrote ...

Now you know why you are paying $3.85 a gallon for milk. Grain that should be used for food, is being wasted making fuel that is not the answer to the oil problems.

Tuesday, Mar 18 at 11:40 PM To Happy wrote ...

"I'm happy. I'm paying $2.89 versus $3.39," said a driver who uses E85. "Every time I fill up, I'm saving at least 10 bucks." Do the math 30 to 40 percent less mileage. What are you saving ? Without Ethanol gas would not be 3.39 per gallon. Or would food costs be sky rocketing or the value of the US dollar sinking. I WON'T EVEN STOP AT A STATION TO BUY ANYTHING THAT SELLS E-85 It makes me sick that our hard earned tax dollars are going to billion dollar corporation . The subsidy.$.51 per gallon.

Tuesday, Mar 18 at 11:38 PM ed wrote ...

I haven't seen the reports on bio-diesel but E-85 fuel on average is 25% less efficient the gas but only 12 to 15% cheaper; so where is the savings? Even if every possible field was being used to grow crops for these fuels (none for food) we couldn't grow enough corn and soy beans to supply our demand for 3 months. When are they going to look at REAL alternatives to petroleum and quit wasting billions playing with ethanol and now bio-diesel?

Tuesday, Mar 18 at 11:22 PM bio fuels are killing our country wrote ...

Ethanol is 20 to 30 percent less efficient than gasoline, making it more expensive per highway mile. It takes 450 pounds of corn to produce the ethanol to fill one SUV tank. That's enough corn to feed one person for a year. Plus, it takes more than one gallon of fossil fuel – oil and natural gas – to produce one gallon of ethanol. After all, corn must be grown, fertilized, harvested and trucked to ethanol producers – all of which are fuel-using activities. Thanks bio fuels for deflating The US $

Tuesday, Mar 18 at 11:16 PM Jeremy wrote ...

The problem with E85 is you get about 1/3 less miles per gallon than with regular unleaded. Therefore E85 is only saving you money if the price is more than 1/3 less than the price of unleaded gas (less than $2 if the price is $3 for unleaded).

Tuesday, Mar 18 at 11:16 PM Ed wrote ...

I haven't seen the reports on bio-diesel but E-85 fuel on average is 25% less efficient the gas but only 12 to 15% cheaper; so where is the savings? Even if every possible field was being used to grow crops for these fuels (none for food) we couldn't grow enough corn and soy beans to supply our demand for 3 months. When are they going to look at REAL alternatives to petroleum and quit wasting billions playing with ethanol and now bio-diesel?

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 500 Characters Left

WSBT and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, or remove user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum. Items that may be considered inappropriate to post are those containing profanity, hatred, or insensitive, vulgar, unlawful or threatening comments.

WSBT Weather

icon
Current Temp 13
°
More Weather
More On Demand

Stock Quotes

YouNews

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

Tonight On WSBTFull Schedule

7.00
Jeopardy!
7.30
Wheel of Fortune
8.00
CSI: NY
9.00
CSI
10.00
Eleventh Hour
11.00
WSBT News
11.35
Late Show with David Letterman
12.35
Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson

Question of The Day

How often do you check your smoke detectors?

E-mail your comments. We'll pick some to read during WSBT News at 5.