Fuel Tracker

The New Year brings new challenges and stresses on gasoline markets. Changes in federal regulations, including the removal of methyl tertiary butyl ether from reformulated gasoline, could lead to supply problems. Those problems include loss of production capability, loss of import supply sources, increased difficulty in delivery and a short-term inventory pinch while the new, cleaner product is delivered. The result is increased volatility – and the possibility of increased prices. The U.S. average for a gallon of gasoline was $2.24 as of Jan. 2, up 4 cents from Dec. 26. The price of crude oil per barrel was $61.06 as of Dec. 30, up $2.98 from Dec. 23.

Sources: Energy Information Administration