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The U.S. diesel average fell 2.5 cents last week to $3.869 a gallon, the lowest level since just before Thanksgiving, the Department of Energy reported.

About a quarter of companies expect to increase the size of their fleets in the next 12 months, with leasing being the most popular choice for obtaining new vehicles, according to a recently released survey by GE Capital.

The national retail diesel average fell for a seventh straight week and the 12th time in the past 14 weeks, the Department of Energy reported, but analysts said that could soon come to an end as concern over violence in Iraq has pushed up prices for oil and diesel futures.

American Trucking Associations said it would support such measures as a tax on crude oil, a national highway fee on cars and trucks and repatriation of corporate profits held overseas to pay for highways, given the transportation funding crisis and Congress’ refusal to raise fuel taxes.    

WASHINGTON — Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) said Congress should approve modest increases to the federal fuel taxes as a way to finance the six-year transportation reauthorization bill and raise revenue for the Highway Trust Fund, which is quickly running out of money.

As today’s trucking leaders look closely at new policies aimed at developing higher minimum fuel standards for medium-duty and heavy-duty trucks, we also recognize opportunities for bringing consumer costs under control and strengthening the economy while reducing dependence on foreign oil, lowering carbon emissions and minimizing business costs.

New Hampshire lawmakers voted to raise the state’s 19.625-cent fuel tax by 4 cents starting July 1.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A specially formed committee of carrier executives will meet in Dallas this month to discuss ways to raise funds to pay for the next highway bill other than through a fuel-tax increase, American Trucking Associations Chairman Philip Byrd Sr. said.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — FuelDefend Global Ltd., a provider of anti-siphoning devices to prevent fuel theft, announced several additions to its lineup.