HIGH CRUDE PRICES
With crude prices reaching to around $45 US per barrel, it is certainly putting some strain on industries that are heavy fuel consumers and (believe it or not) on fuel dealers. While we would like to tell you what crude will do in the future; unfortunately, we are also faced with the uncertainty of this unusual marketplace. It was only a short 6 years ago that crude sold for $11 US per barrel. Quite a change!

The best advice seems to come from organizations like the BC Trucking Association who have circulated rate tables suggesting how fuel increases should translate into rate increases for companies operating trucks or heavy equipment. Of course obtaining rate increases can be very difficult, but it is worthwhile to do a thorough review of your fleet costs and the impact on profitability.

If you want to talk fuel price, please call us. Also, if you have a few minutes, we encourage you to read the articles on our website - http://www.castlefuels.ca/fuel_prices.html

ECONOMIC INDICATORS
So far, the high crude prices have not significantly dampened the optimism surrounding many industry sectors in Interior BC. The Kootenay, Okanagan and Thompson regions continue to be hotbeds of activity.

Forestry, road building and both commercial and residential construction are all looking very upbeat. We live in a great part of the world and, economically, it looks like we might be in the right place at the right time. Now we need to get the cattle industry out from under their restrictions and things would look really promising.

CHANGES TO BC DYE REGULATIONS
Changes to BC’s regulations for dyed fuel are very close. You can expect to hear soon about a new registration process for sellers as well as new certification/declaration forms for users of dyed fuel. We are also told that compliance enforcement will be stepped up to support these changes. Expect the new rules to be announced this fall with enforcement to begin before the end of the year. We will keep you informed as we receive the new documentation and program details.

Additional dye changes are also being contemplated for the near future. These changes include a move to legislate the use of dye in all heating oil. The government has drafted preliminary legislation and will probably communicate more about the plans soon.

Slip Tanks & Transportation of Dangerous Goods
The new rules have been in effect for a while and many of you are aware of the changes; however, we are still receiving questions. Therefore, we will try to clarify a couple of key points with respect to slip tanks.

- Slip tanks, larger than 450 litres, are subject to the new regulations requiring certified containers. The current “permit” allowing the use of uncertified tanks for diesel transport (subject to certain conditions) comes to an end December 31 st of this year. After this date, diesel transport will require a certified tank unless the capacity of the tank is less than 450 litres.

- Any container greater than 30 litres must meet the new regulations. The permit extending the use of older slip tanks does not apply to gasoline transportation. Since August 2002, all gasoline transportation requires approved containers.

FURNACE TANKS
Furnace tanks are receiving increased scrutiny from insurance companies. Many home-owners have been forced to replace older tanks in order to renew home insurance. If your furnace tank falls in any of the categories below, you may want to review your insurance coverage:

Please note that suppliers can only fill basement tanks that have a working “whistle stop” installed.

NAKUSP CARDLOCK
SuperPass cards are now accepted at the Nakusp cardlock and the new highway access is open. Currently, the cardlock is manned from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

KAMLOOPS CARDLOCK
The gasoline tank at the Valleyview cardlock will be replaced between August 11 th and August 18 th. Gas will be out of service for most of the week but diesel at the other two islands will not be affected.

We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause but the age of the tank requires that it be replaced. A new split island will be installed during the down time and the end result will be more convenient for gasoline customers.

Any comments or questions? Please email us at info@castlefuels.ca