Tight diesel supplies a concern

FARGO (AP) — Diesel supplies have tightened in central and western North Dakota as farmers take to their fields and the Tesoro refinery in Mandan is shut down for maintenance and upgrades.

North Dakota Petroleum Marketers Association President Mike Rud said the scarce supplies have prompted some fuel dealers to truck in diesel from eastern North Dakota, while others have brought in fuel by rail from Canada.

Rud said no action has been needed so far to ensure supplies, such as granting waivers to allow truckers to be on the road longer to deliver shipments. But he said there is definite concern.

Ron Day with the Tesoro plant said it will resume operations in mid-May. He said fuel dealers under contract with Tesoro are getting their supplies, but dealers without contracts are not guaranteed delivery during the shutdown.

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