There’s been so much in the news about fuel prices rising - including diesel and biodiesel. In the last three years diesel prices have doubled accourding to Scott Barnwell, general manager of Blue Ridge Biofuels in Asheville, NC. He had a letter to the editor in today’s paper in response to an article that ran in the March 25 issue of the Asheville Citizen-Times about Biodiesel prices soaring in WNC.

The interesting thing is the biofuels from Blue Ridge Biofuels have only increased in price by 25 percent in the last three years, according to Scott. Asheville actually has some of the lowest priced biodiesel in the country! Yay! Good work.

I know at least a couple of people who bought diesel vehicles in the last few years and I’ve been sorry for them as the fuel has risen. But, Scott also wanted us to know that we need to remember diesel engines are 30-35 percent more efficient than gas engines. They give more power and better acceleration. They also last longer and have lower maintenace costs.

That’s diesel in general. When it comes to biodiesel, it’s a premium fuel. It has higher cetane than diesel. Sorry, I don’t know what that means, but you can google it :>) Biodiesel provides better lubricity for engines - I know what that means and it’s a good thing! When you get those parts constantly wearing against each other, better lubrication is important. In the long run, the engine will last longer. Emissions are also lower with biodiesel and that is also a big deal. We all want to do what we can to protect the Earth.

Concerning the availability of local biofuel, Scott reminds us that it’s better to keep our resources here in WNC than investing in the economies of oil producing countries. It’s a great all-around solution for a variety of things. Local restaurants have a great way to get rid of their used oil. Fewer fuel trucks are on the road from all over to bring fuel here.

Blue Ridge Biofuels is run by a great group of people and they are committed to providing sustainable fuel at the lowest prices they possibly can. Asheville is a better place because of Blue Ridge Biofuels! Thanks Scott, Brian, Melita, Woodrow, Mitch, Mac, Micah and Jason!