Diesel spike prompts shortage chatter, but data show no nationwide squeeze

Rumors of diesel shortages surged as California pumps appeared at 9.99 and reports circulated of stations running dry. However, industry data and analysts say outages are localized, not widespread. Prices are climbing, driven by higher demand and supply constraints among smaller distributors, while large buyers stock up. Experts like GasBuddy’s Patrick DeHaan and outlets such as Newsweek have reviewed the evidence, concluding there’s no national diesel shortage for now, though the situation remains financially painful for consumers and businesses alike, with EVs and solar repeatedly pitched as mitigation.