FAQs for Survey Form EIA-888

What is the purpose of this survey?

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) Form EIA-888, "On-Highway Diesel Fuel Price Survey," is designed to collect and publish data on the cash price (including taxes) of self-serve, on-highway diesel fuel. The data are used to calculate average diesel fuel oil prices at the national, regional, and select State levels which are vital to the trucking industry and shippers throughout the United States. These data are point-in-time estimates as of 8:00 a.m. Monday.

The prices are released every Monday (Tuesday if Monday is a Federal holiday) through DOE's 24-hour telephone hotline at 202-586-6966. These average prices are also published in the Gasoline & Diesel Fuel Update and released electronically to subscribers of EIA's email notification (regular and wireless). In addition, these average prices are released to the public by the media, as well as, through several major trucking association publications. The statistics are widely used by trucking companies and shippers across the United States to adjust the calculation of fuel surcharges in transportation contracts.

What is the estimated time needed to complete this telephone survey?

The reporting burden for this survey is estimated to take an average of 3 minutes per response, including the time of gathering and maintaining the data needed, and reporting the information. The amount of time required will vary depending on the mode of data collection and number of outlets.

When and how can I submit data each week?

Every Monday around 8:00 a.m. your station or corporate contact will be telephoned and asked to report your cash pump price (including all taxes) of on-highway diesel as of 8:00 a.m. For Federal holidays falling on a Monday, you may be called on Tuesday instead for prices as of 8:00 a.m. Monday.

If you would prefer to report using one of the following options we require your data to be submitted prior to 9:00 a.m. local time:

• Web Survey – allows you to report price(s) in a secure online survey
• Email – send price(s) to EIA via a secure email account, eia_survey@rti.org
• Fax – fax price(s) to a secure, toll-free fax number, 1-919-541-8812
• Telephone Interview – call to report price(s) to a live interviewer, 1-877-267-2879

Where can I find the published data?

• Gasoline & Diesel Fuel Update
• This Week in Petroleum
• Weekly Petroleum Status Report
• Weekly Retail Gasoline and Diesel Prices

Do I have to report data?

Yes. The report is mandatory. The timely submission of Form EIA-888 by those required to report is mandatory under Section 13(b) of the Federal Energy Administration Act of 1974 (FEAA) (Public Law 93-275), as amended.

Failure to respond may result in a civil penalty of not more than $2,750 per day for each violation, or a fine of not more than $5,000 per day for each criminal violation. The government may bring a civil action to prohibit reporting violations which may result in a temporary restraining order or a preliminary or permanent injunction without bond. In such civil action, the court may also issue mandatory injunctions commanding any person to comply with these reporting requirements.

Why was my outlet selected to participate in this survey?

It is very important for those companies selected to participate in the survey to ensure accuracy and reliability of the published data. A representative sample of outlets is surveyed in order to minimize public reporting burden. We need sufficient geographic coverage to produce national, regional, and state estimates. A representative sample includes a selection of large, medium and small outlets.

The probability of selection of any particular outlet depends on the sampling method, target coefficient of variance, and allocation method. A large outlet has a higher probability of selection than a smaller one. It is important to have a representative sample of outlets by geographic area and size. Outlets are randomly selected from the sampling frame.

How long is my outlet required to report on this survey?

It is important when producing trend statistics to ensure consistency over time in the time-series data. This is important to users of the data – policy makers, industry and financial analysts, researchers, media, and the public. Duration an outlet is required to report depends on several factors, including changes in the industry, sample design and frequency of sample selection.

Are my data confidential?

Yes. Please be assured that the price information you provide is confidential by law and will be used for statistical purposes only. Your price will be used along with other prices to calculate select state, regional and national average retail prices which will be used by the Executive Branch, Congress, and industry in monitoring on-highway diesel fuel markets.

EIA follows rigorous steps to safeguard your data. In accordance with the Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act (CIPSEA) of 2002 (Title V of the E-Government Act of 2002) and other applicable Federal laws, your responses will not be disclosed in identifiable form without your consent. Per the Federal Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2015, Federal information systems are protected from malicious activities through cybersecurity screening of transmitted data. Every EIA employee, as well as every agent, is subject to a jail term, a fine, or both if he or she makes public ANY identifiable information you reported.

Should I inform you of a change in the contact person in our company for Form EIA-888?

Yes. Whenever there is a change in the contact person for Form EIA-888 at your company please contact a representative at 1-877-267-2879 or via email at eia_survey@rti.org.

The contact person should be the person who can answer questions about the data you report.

Should I inform you if our company is sold, merged with another company, or buys another company?

Yes. Whenever there is any change in ownership please inform a representative at 1-877-267-2879 or via email at eia_survey@rti.org.