Tony Illia/ENR Falling fuel prices could lower machine operating costs.

Diesel fuel, the second-largest construction expense after labor, has fallen to a 53-week-low of $2.43 per-gal, said Tavio Headley, an economist with the American Trucking Association, during the World of Concrete show in Las Vegas.

Prices have dipped 19 cents in the last past six weeks as a result of an inventory glut caused by a mild winter. Refiners produced more diesel fuel from already-high heating oil supplies.

ATA, meanwhile, is seeking to create a single diesel standard to help eliminate shortages and stabilize pricing. Boutique fuels used in certain parts of the country exacerbate local shortages, the economist said.

The national trucking group also is seeking greater investment in refining capacity.