Gasoline Prices in Today's Market
The price of crude oil is the major factor in determining the price of gasoline at the pump, but there are a number of other factors. While it may not seem so to frustrated Americans struggling to make ends meet, today’s gasoline prices are very much in line with crude prices.
Since 2001, the price consumers pay at the gasoline pump has averaged around 97 cents a gallon higher than the price of crude oil per gallon. That difference has fluctuated above and below the average, and currently has actually been running less. Included in the pump price of gasoline are taxes, refining, marketing, transportation and other costs. The national average gasoline tax is 47 cents per gallon.
A number of other factors - such as demand, gasoline inventory and import levels, and the effect of weather, necessary safety-related maintenance and other factors on refinery operations - can play a part in explaining the relationship of gasoline prices to crude oil prices.
The nation’s refineries actually run at a much higher utilization rate than other U.S. manufacturers. For the year 2008, the refining industry averaged 85.3 percent of capacity, and 84.2 percent for September 2009. For all manufacturing, 2008’s average was 75.0 percent, and September 2009’s average was 67.8 percent.
Year-to-date through September, U.S. production of gasoline and distillate, including diesel, were at near-record levels for the period.
Gasoline demand in the U.S. was essentially flat for the first nine months of 2009 versus already-depressed first half 2008 levels. U.S. gasoline demand has been strengthening in recent months, but third quarter demand was still among the lowest levels for a similar period for the past six years.
For more information, please see the Primer below:
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API Weekly Gasoline Updates
The national average retail price of all grades of gasoline on Monday, March 8, rose 4.8 cents to $2.804 gallon, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration:
Size: 159 KB | Date: March 10, 2010 | License: Free
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The national average retail price of regular-grade gasoline on Monday, March 8, rose 4.9 cents cents to $2.751 per gallon, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration:
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Regional Price Chart (bar chart of U.S. regions and selected cities)
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Why Does the Cost of Gasoline Differ from Place to Place?
The federal government's Energy Information Administration (EIA) data indicate that average retail gasoline prices tend to be higher in certain areas than in others. One reason is that state and local taxes vary. Other factors that may contribute to regional and even local differences include:
Gasoline Prices - How Much are You Paying?
Click on a state in the U.S.A. map to find the current gasoline price average for that state.
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For the national average, see:
Motor Fuel Taxes
Summary Report - Updated October 2009 to reflect changes since January 2009. Here is a summary report on gasoline and diesel taxes. Find out more about motor fuel taxes here.
U.S. Imports
Do you think most of the oil we use comes from the Middle East? You might be surprised. See the list of countries the U.S. imports product from.
Size: 19 KB | Date: November 2009 (latest available) | License: Free
Gasoline: Is It All The Same? What about Octane?
Gasoline is the fuel designed for spark-ignition internal combustion engines. There is a “basic recipe” for gasoline, since it must be used in a variety of vehicles with a broad range of engine types and operating conditions. ASTM International, formerly the American Society for Testing and Materials, has developed these specifications.
Fuel-Saving Tips for Drivers
We count on our cars to get us where we want to go, when we want to go. That sense of freedom is important to us, but we also want to be sure we do our best to conserve natural resources for future generations. See information on Fuel Saving Tips for Drivers to find out what steps you can take to meet these goals.
Frequently asked questions on fuel efficiency
Consumers can help improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save money at the pump by using gasoline more efficiently. In the Use Energy Wisely section, API offer its recommendations for improving efficiency in the form of answers to frequently asked questions.
Related Links
(Energy Information Administration)
(updated monthly)
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