Gas Prices?

[mokee]

Hmmm!! RFG costs us 50 cents a gal more? The old RFG excuse is really tired. We also get the ethanol gas mileage penalty with E10, and on top of that it's a really bad idea to leave the stuff in lawn mowers, outboards and snow blowers after seasonal use. You'd think they'd come up with a better alternative - something that you can put through a pipeline for example.

[TX NRG]

Hmmm!! RFG costs us 50 cents a gal more? The old RFG excuse is really tired.

Well, yes. If you don't like the Harvard, WI example just across the border outside the Chi/Mil RFG zone, then check out the average gas price 100 miles downstate outside the zone in Champaign ($3.71) or Peoria ($3.73) which is about 50 cents less. If you only have 3 refineries to meet the demand and one goes offline, the price goes up.

 

Check out the map to see the different types: http://www.exxon.com/USA-English/GFM/Files/US_Gasoline_Map.pdf

 

I filled up both vehicles yesterday and paid $3.25/gal and our taxes are only 20 cent/gal less than IL's.

[expresspotato]

Neat! I didn't know each state / even state regions had different gas requirements

[hybridbear]

Is there an explanation that goes with the map of what the different types are? I know that our "oxygenated gas" in MN means that it contains ethanol. Current law in MN requires 10% ethanol blend. And even with our poor gas I'm still getting 50+ MPG now that it has finally warmed up!! :headspin:

 

Well, yes. If you don't like the Harvard, WI example just across the border outside the Chi/Mil RFG zone, then check out the average gas price 100 miles downstate outside the zone in Champaign ($3.71) or Peoria ($3.73) which is about 50 cents less. If you only have 3 refineries to meet the demand and one goes offline, the price goes up.

Check out the map to see the different types: http://www.exxon.com/USA-English/GFM/Files/US_Gasoline_Map.pdf

I filled up both vehicles yesterday and paid $3.25/gal and our taxes are only 20 cent/gal less than IL's.

[TX NRG]

Found this explanation on blends and RVP-PSI measurements from a Pop Mech article:

 

"The nation has some 20 different blends of gasoline to meet overlapping state and federal guidelines. The reason for the different grades of gas comes down to trying to control VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that are more likely to evaporate the hotter it gets. More VOCs equal more smog, especially in summer, when the heat in the atmosphere increases the propensity for atmospheric ozone and adding in the VOCs increases the intensity of the smog.

 

The different grades of gas are measured on a system of RVP, or Reid Vapor Pressure, which is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). The higher the RVP number of a particular gas blend, the easier it is to vaporize and the worse it is for the environment. All gasoline blends have to be below 14.7 PSI, which is normal average atmospheric pressure. Any number higher than that and gasoline would become a gas.

 

During the summer heat, the RVP of gas has to be especially low to keep it from boiling off. The EPA mandates an RVP maximum of anywhere between 9.0 PSI and 7.8 PSI for summer-grade fuel, depending on region (though you get a fudge factor of 1 psi for using gas blended with 10 percent ethanol). There are even lower RVP-rated fuels for cities like Houston, New York, and L.A. Different states and cities have their own rules based upon their seasonal temperatures—Washington state needs different summer gas than, say, Florida. That’s why there are so many blends. To make it more complicated, the time for switching from summer- to winter-blend gasoline varies by state too.

 

Generally, the lower the RVP of a gas blend, the more it costs. For example, in winter you can blend butane, which is relatively plentiful and cheap, with gasoline. But butane, which has an RVP of 52 on its own, can’t be used in summer, when it would immediately boil off as a gas. So "purer" summer gasoline is by default costlier. (And there are other factors at play too. More people travel in summer during peak driving season, for instance, putting more stress on demand.) "

 

Summer-Blend vs Winter-Blend Gasoline: What’s the Difference? - Popular Mechanics

[hermans]

Gas jumped 7 cents/gal here in the Philly area overnight.

Edited May 11, 2013 by hermans

[rico567]

I've seen few threads on any forum with so many unsubstantiated theories. I'll just throw in that gas is at $3.75 here right now, diesel about $3.95, and I think it's because someone put a grand on double zero at Cæsar's Palace in Vegas last night.

[mokee]

I'll just throw in that gas is at $3.75 here right now, diesel about $3.95, and I think it's because someone put a grand on double zero at Cæsar's Palace in Vegas last night.

 

Sounds as reasonable as any other explanation. I like it better than "There was a fire at a Beaumont, TX refinery today..." excuse. My best unsub theory for why retailers in the Chicago charge more than any place in the country is because they can. It's all perception.

[rico567]

Wherever one happens to live in the U.S. (or Canada), a nice vacation to Europe will restore sanity. We spent three weeks in Italy lat October and November, and gas was going for about 1.70 Euro per liter, perhaps a trifle more. That's 6.80 Euro for 4 liters, which is a few ounces more than a gallon. At current exchange rates, that would make a U.S. gallon somewhere between 8.25 and 8.50 USD. Have a nice day....

[hybridbear]

Gas prices jumped in MN today! From $3.89 to $4.19 in a matter of hours. Prices had jumped from $3.65 to $3.89 just a few days ago. And from $3.49 to $3.65 just a few days before that. Not two days ago Monday but the Monday before that gas prices here were $3.49. My last fill up was at $3.65, looks like next one will be over $4

Edited May 15, 2013 by hybridbear

[acdii]

Ouch, luckily in WI it was still $3.78 for Midgrade last night. I have had to drive(though not complaining that I have to drive it) my Flex while my mom has her car repaired, so putting more miles on it than normal, which means filling it more than once a month as planned.

 

However it has me spoiled with the PBS and touch locks, and nice dash, and comfy seats, and and well you get the picture! I wont like going back to my lowly ol 2010 FFH.

[hybridbear]

http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2013/05/what-if-we-never-run-out-of-oil/309294/?single_page=true

 

Very fascinating article, it's a little long, but worth the time to read. As hybrid owners we have all shown ourselves to be somewhat energy conscious and this is a very interesting take on the worldwide energy situation

[kuzzi]

Spring, TX

Reg: $3.35/gal for the Fuzzi

Prem: $3.65/gal for the Bike

Diesel: $3.65/gal for the Broncosaurus

 

FWIW, I work in the Oil/Gas Industry, I just like having toys and I'm bored with my normal Otto-cycle naturally aspirated gas engines. Heck, I'm even thinking about adding a turbo to the lawnmower.

[dalesky]

We all drive hybrids so it could be worse, but what's happening to gas prices? GrySql, rico567 and acdii offered up some great off topic info in the "driving close to 62 mph" thread in the Fuel Mileage Forum, http://fordfusionhybridforum.com/topic/6540-driving-close-to-62-mph/. What's happening in your area? List your general location, what you typically pay for gas and any insights into why your gas costs what it does.

I have for many years driven under the going rate, that is to say if the speed limit is 45, and most are driving 60, i don't exceed 50. If it is 55 I don't exceed 60. Now, that's not to say that I don't enjoy some spirited driving at times, but I use my cruise a LOT, and try to get good mileage most of the time. I am lucky to live where gas prices are consistently the lowest in the country. No sure why, but tax on gas here is VERY low, kind of like cigarette taxes. this week prices haven't really changed from the 3.20 to 3.25 range. I am in the area of, but not in, Myrtle Beach SC.

[dalesky]

Spring, TX

Reg: $3.35/gal for the Fuzzi

Prem: $3.65/gal for the Bike

Diesel: $3.65/gal for the Broncosaurus

 

FWIW, I work in the Oil/Gas Industry, I just like having toys and I'm bored with my normal Otto-cycle naturally aspirated gas engines. Heck, I'm even thinking about adding a turbo to the lawnmower.

You and Tim the Toolman. He turbo charged his washing machine!

[jeff_h]

Yep Chicago is #1! But not in a good way.

 

http://www.virginiagasprices.com/Prices_Nationally.aspx?d=metro

[46stang]

$4.05-4.15 around me. Which is why I bought the FFH. My 03 expedition was costing me around $360-390 a month in fuel. Now I'm spending around $80. So the difference is enough to practically pay the car payment!

[rjent]

$4.05-4.15 around me. Which is why I bought the FFH. My 03 expedition was costing me around $360-390 a month in fuel. Now I'm spending around $80. So the difference is enough to practically pay the car payment!

Now that is what these cars are made for.....

 

How cool is that! :dance:

[hybridbear]

$4.05-4.15 around me. Which is why I bought the FFH. My 03 expedition was costing me around $360-390 a month in fuel. Now I'm spending around $80. So the difference is enough to practically pay the car payment!

That's fantastic!! :)

[GrySql]

$4.05-4.15 around me. Which is why I bought the FFH. My 03 expedition was costing me around $360-390 a month in fuel. Now I'm spending around $80. So the difference is enough to practically pay the car payment!

Same here, sold the Expedition for the FFH and am glad I did!

But we kept the Mustang GT.....

Edited May 22, 2013 by GrySql

[acdii]

Spring, TX

Reg: $3.35/gal for the Fuzzi

Prem: $3.65/gal for the Bike

Diesel: $3.65/gal for the Broncosaurus

 

FWIW, I work in the Oil/Gas Industry, I just like having toys and I'm bored with my normal Otto-cycle naturally aspirated gas engines. Heck, I'm even thinking about adding a turbo to the lawnmower.

I want to Turbocharge this

 

[jeff_h]

I want to Turbocharge this

 

 

You don't happen to hear a clicking, popping, or ping-pong sound from the front end when you start off, do you?

[acdii]

No, I hear it from the back instead! :drop:

[mokee]

Yep Chicago is #1! But not in a good way.

 

http://www.virginiag...ly.aspx?d=metro

 

Thanks jeff_h....It always amazed me that Spartanburg, SC has such low gas prices. I stop there and fill the boat tank. Even with the added weight penalty on my tow vehicle, it's a bargain.

Edited May 22, 2013 by mokee

[dalesky]

Thanks jeff_h....It always amazed me that Spartanburg, SC has such low gas prices. I stop there and fill the boat tank. Even with the added weight penalty on my tow vehicle, it's a bargain.

SC is generally the state with the lowest prices. I can drive 15 to 20 miles from home (myrtle beach area) and see real differences often. Regardless, when it goes up here, folks suffer since the per capita income, based on tourism, is pretty low.