According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, U.S. stock of diesel and heating oil stood at 106 million barrels, the lowest since 1951.  It is estimated that inventory is approximately 35 million barrels lower than normal in late October.  A ban on importation of crude from Russia to be refined in Gulf of Mexico plants has led to a shortage of diesel and heating oil.

A recent announcement that the Administration would release crude oil from the strategic reserve will have no effect on availability of diesel or heating oil since the refining capacity is the restraint to availability.

Options available to the Administration include a ban on exports of refined oil that would save approximately one million barrels each month.  Energy observers suggests programs to encourage refiners to accumulate stocks in advance of demand during winter.