FAQs for Survey Forms 802 and 812

Are losses of ultra-low-sulfur distillate fuel oil the same as downgraded volumes when reporting EIA surveys?

(Applies to EIA-801, 802, 811, 812)
We consider losses of ultra-low-sulfur diesel (distillate fuel oil 0 ppm - 15 ppm sulfur, EIA product Code 465) to be the same as downgraded volumes for the purpose of reporting on EIA surveys. Downgraded volumes for EIA survey reporting may be calculated as beginning stocks plus receipts minus shipments minus ending stocks.

For example, a pipeline operator with ultra-low-sulfur diesel begins a month with stocks of 100 thousand barrels, they receive 200 thousand barrels, they ship 250 thousand barrels and end the month with stocks of 40 thousand barrels. In this example, downgraded ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel reported to EIA would be calculated as 100 thousand barrels plus 200 thousand barrels minus 250 thousand barrels minus 40 thousand barrels equals 10 thousand barrels downgraded.

The calculation described above will work for monthly or weekly data. The difference, other than the different reporting period, is monthly downgraded diesel fuel data are reported by PAD District while weekly downgraded diesel fuel data are reported only at the U.S. level.

Is it possible to report negative values for downgraded ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel on EIA surveys?

(Applies to EIA-801, 802, 811, 812)
Yes, we expect to see some negative values reported for downgraded ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel. This will indicate cases where downgraded diesel fuel was recertified as ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel.

Is the EIA product called "distillate fuel oil 15 ppm sulfur and under" (EIA product Code 465) intended to be the same as ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel?

(Applies to EIA-801, 802, 811, 812)
Yes. While the product name gives a specific sulfur range, the intent was to capture all of the ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel even in cases where the sulfur content may exceed 15 ppm. Examples of diesel fuel with sulfur content exceeding 15 ppm that would be reported to EIA as "distillate fuel oil 15 ppm sulfur and under" include fuel with sulfur content greater than 15 ppm but within test tolerance, and fuel with sulfur content greater than 15 ppm during transitions or other periods when EPA regulations allow such fuel to be sold as ultra-low-sulfur diesel. Fuel with sulfur content greater than 15 ppm that is handled and intended for sale as ultra-low-sulfur diesel should be excluded from downgraded diesel volumes reported to EIA.

Who should report Code 1 in Part 6?

Companies reporting Code 1 "Pipeline and Tanks for Exclusive use by Reporting Company" in Part 6 of Form EIA-812 should be those that operate proprietary pipeline systems. These are different from common carrier pipelines in that they will only store and move products for one company.

Who should report Code 2 in Part 6?

Common carrier pipelines should report Code 2 "Pipeline and Tanks may be used by Other Companies" in Part 6 of Form EIA-812. This is because they provide transportation services to paying customers. The products they store and move are not exclusively for the pipeline operating company and so reporting Code 1 would not be correct.

If we only move product through the pipeline, and do not store any product in tanks or caverns, will we need to report any values in Part 7 of Form EIA-812?

No. In Part 7 only companies that have product storage will report values.

What does "Working Storage Capacity" mean?

Working storage is the capacity of storage tanks between tank bottoms and the safe fill level. Working storage capacity will not equal stocks reported in Part 3. Values reported in Part 3 are actual inventory levels in pipelines and tanks or caverns. Storage capacity in Part 7 is not stock levels. Stocks reported in Part 3 include barrels held in pipelines as well as storage tanks and caverns. Capacity reported in Part 7 should include working tank and cavern storage capacity and exclude storage capacity of the actual pipelines.

What does "Idle Storage Capacity" mean?

Idle storage capacity means the capacity of tanks that are not currently in use but can be returned to service within 90 days. Tanks in operation are those that are in service.