The diesel problem that could spoil Bitcoin’s hopes for cheaper money

U.S. inventories of distillate fuel oil, which includes diesel and heating oil, fell below 100 million barrels in the week ended Oct. 30, even as the latest surveyed fuel prices declined. The smaller stock buffer leaves fuel costs a potential obstacle to inflation relief and easier financing for Bitcoin investors.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration's Nov. 4 report showed stocks of 99.26 million barrels, down from 102.82 million a week earlier. That 3.57-million-barrel decline left inventories 13% below their five-year average.

U.S. on-highway diesel averaged $6.29 a gallon on Nov. 2, down 6 cents in a week. EIA's surveyed residential heating-oil average fell 9.2 cents to $6.14 a gallon over the same period. Diesel prices include taxes; the heating-oil series excludes them.

Both fuels remained substantially more expensive than a year earlier: diesel was up $2.54 a gallon and residential heating oil was up $2.51.

There is also continuing refinery supply. Utilization increased to 94.5% from 92.8% in the week ended Oct. 30, although distillate production edged down to 5.154 million barrels a day from 5.161 million. Higher overall refinery activity therefore coexisted with a further draw on distillate stocks.

Why fuel costs matter for Bitcoin

Diesel powers freight, while heating oil adds directly to household bills. Persistent fuel costs can make moving goods and heating homes more expensive. If that pressure slows broader inflation relief, it could obstruct easier financing conditions for Bitcoin investors.

Historical research explains why that possibility matters. Authors of the August 2023 International Monetary Fund working paper The Crypto Cycle and US Monetary Policy found that Fed tightening reduced a common crypto-price measure through investors' willingness to take risk.

The Fed held its target range at 3.75% to 4% on Oct. 28 and said inflation remained elevated. That decision preceded the inventory release.

EIA's next weekly petroleum report is scheduled for Nov. 12 at noon Eastern, covering the week ended Nov. 6. Sustained inventory rebuilding alongside lower fuel costs would weaken the inflation concern. Continued draws would keep attention on the stock buffer, but their significance for Bitcoin would depend on whether fuel pressure reaches broader inflation and financing conditions.