most goods in the US today are transported via trucks. most of the whole main-street runs on diesel as well think home services businesses etc.

cost of diesel has a reverb effect across the whole economy.

the shrinkage is felt but won't be truly reflected in the economy. so the government can keep lying about the numbers.

they can lie all they want, gas is maybe the most politically sensitive number since it does have the "whole economy" effect and the effects are seen reasonably quick