Regional Diesel Helpline

08/28/2026

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBLmbkTbTMA

What happens when farmers run their entire John Deere fleet on B30,...

08/26/2026

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gEqgR5byS0

Minnesota gas prices are running below the national average in part...

07/29/2026

These may look like common party staples but don’t dip your chip or take a sip from these containers! The Helpline receives samples in some very creative containers. We understand that sometimes you use whatever is easily available, but it is important to make sure containers are clean and dry before adding your fuel sample. Avoid thin plastics that can degrade or get damaged easily in transport. Preferred containers are new, quart-size, narrow rimmed bottles with tight fitting lids whenever possible. Glass mason jars can also be used if samples will be dropped off in-person and breaking is not a risk. Contact the Helpline to learn more about sample bottles and tips for collecting samples.

07/24/2026

U.S. Refiners are Ramping Up Diesel Production

Refiners are on track to produce the most diesel the U.S. has ever made in the month of July, and one of the highest months on record outside of winter heating season.

06/23/2026

This sample was submitted to the Helpline last week with a request to "test the fuel to determine the cause of filter plugging." There is very little fuel to test in this sample, BUT there are many visible problems. The Helpline recommends retrieving tank bottom samples in spring and fall to catch and fix potential fuel issues before they become a problem.

05/29/2026

The Helpline conducts a test called Thermal Stability (ASTM D6468), which exposes fuel to heat to evaluate its resistance to thermal degradation. The fuel sample is filtered and put in a test tube, then heated to 300F for 3 hours. The fuel is cooled and filtered again. The amount of light that can pass through the pad is measured, resulting in a “reflectance rating.” A reflectance rating of 70% or higher indicates clean, stable fuel. Lower ratings suggest the fuel has degraded, forming deposits that can clog filters and fuel injectors.

The difference in these samples is dramatic: the fuel on the left measured just 6% reflectance—the worst result the Helpline has ever seen—indicating severely degraded fuel unlikely to perform well in an engine. The sample on the right measured 96%, showing excellent fuel stability.

05/12/2026

05/12/2026

The Nebraska Soybean Board is offering 25 cents per gallon for B2 and 50 cents per gallon for B5 and above, up to $500.

04/22/2026