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I'm thinking that because of our thirst for cheap retail imports, that diesel may be lumped into that category with gasoline, Ol' Thackney knows about it for sure. The onslaught of Chinese imports to the west coast have saved the railroads and created a shortage in truckers.

However, gauging from last Holiday Season reports and the bust in housing, there has to be a significant decrease in the number of gallons of petro's being used.

I too am one to have cut back in driving, going out to eat, and even on-line shopping. I also know of a few others around the 'hood too doing the same.

I am distrusting in the gov's reports in that we know too well the 'revised numbers' we always see for inflation, GDP, etc. for the last year that tend to point in the more unwanted directions.

With the housing bust, building has slowed significantly or all together ceased in many areas because of the inventory glut. With that the case, we all know materials aren't being shipped and sold. Food and energy however will always need its transport system and people will still drive to work.

The economy is slowing, has slowed, and will continue to do so until 9 mos - 18 mos past this Nov. if the gov gets its fingers out of the mess, the markets will correct slowly and the economy will grow some then again.

The gov and the MSM will battle it out with none of us actually having the real numbers. I just know from what and who is around me in respect to what the middle to lower middle class Americans and their families are struggling with. Not everyone makes $125 / year, and the middle class drives this economy and the middle class is being swamped with real inflation in the necessities in life.