Fuel Prices In United States

Fuel Prices In United States

US petroleum consumption reached an estimated 18.87 million barrels per day (3,000,000 m³/d) in 2011, and is expected to increase to 18.96 million barrels per day (3,014,000 m³/d) per day in 2012. 

Drivers in the United States travelled 500,000 miles (800,000 km) per day in 2011 and were expected to travel 8.158 billion miles 

(1.3129×10¹⁰ km) in 2012. This equates to an average of 33 miles (53 km) per vehicle per day. 

On average, US drivers consume 1.49 US gallons (5.6 L) of gasoline per day, or about 10.44 US gallons (39.5 L) per week. As of March 2013, the average price for 87 octane gasoline was $3.22 a US gallon (85¢/L).

"One cited spending $47,000 in 2005 on gas and oil for a fleet of 16 trucks. In 2006, that number was up to $62,000 and then again up to $70,000 in 2007. This year they are on track to spend $88,000 after budgeting only $66,000. Rising gas prices will siphon $22,000 off their bottom line unless they can find a way to pass that increase along." 

 In 2008 a report by Cambridge Energy Research Associates stated that 2007 had been the year of peak gasoline usage in the United States, and that record energy prices would cause an "enduring shift" in energy consumption practices. According to the report, in April fuel consumption had been lower than a year before for the sixth straight month, suggesting 2008 would be the first year US usage declined in 17 years. The total annual distance driven in the US began declining in 2006.

The average price per US gallon in 2012 (as of 31 December 2012) was $3.618 (96¢/L), the highest ever for a year. As of 31 December 2012, the average price of gasoline was $3.298/gal (87¢/L), with New York at $3.70/gal (98¢/L) for the highest in the US, and Colorado at $2.987/gal (79¢/L) for the lowest.

Finished motor gasoline amounts to 44% of the total US consumption of petroleum products. This corresponds to 18.5 exajoules per year. As of 2012 the cost of crude oil accounted for 62% of the cost of a gallon of gasoline in the United State while refining accounted for just 12%. Taxes and distribution/marketing accounted for 12% and 14% respectively.

After Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita, gas prices started rising. They became record high levels. In terms of the aggregate economy, increases in crude oil prices significantly predict the growth of real gross domestic product (GDP), but increases in natural gas prices do not.

All the damages from the hurricanes ran up gas prices. By 30 August, a day after Katrina’s landfall, prices in the spot market, which typically include a premium above the wellhead price, had surged pass $11 per gigajoule ($12 per million British thermal units), and by 22 September 2005, the day before Rita’s landfall, the spot price had risen to $14/GJ ($15 per million BTU). 

Crude oil

Crude oil is the greatest contributing factor when it comes to the price of gasoline. This includes the resources it takes for exploration, to remove it from the ground, and transport it. Between 2004 and 2008, there was an increase in fuel costs due in large part to a worldwide increase in demand for crude oil. Prices leapt from 35 to $140 per barrel ($220 to $880/m³), causing a corresponding increase in gas prices. On the supply side, OPEC (or the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) has a great deal to do with the price of gasoline, both in the United States and around the world. The speculation of oil commodities can also affect the gasoline market.

Taxes

Taxes are the next biggest contributor to gasoline prices at around 12%. In the United States, both state and federal taxes apply to gasoline. In addition other taxes may be placed on gas including applicable state sales taxes, gross receipts taxes, oil inspection fees, underground storage tank fees and other miscellaneous environmental fees.

Marketing and distribution

Distribution and marketing makes up the remaining 5%. The price of transporting crude oil to a refinery then gasoline to a point of distribution is passed on to the consumer. In addition the price to market the fuel brand is passed on.

Other factors

Aside from this breakdown, many other factors affect gasoline prices. Extreme weather, war or natural disaster in areas where oil is produced can also in turn raise the price of a gallon of gasoline. Legislation by several states for cleaner burning fuel also affects certain areas' prices of gasoline. Furthermore, demand directly affects the price of gasoline. For example, when more people are on the road, typically in the summer months or during holidays, the price will increase.

Up to date prices for gasoline (unleaded) are available at http://www.mytravelcost.com/petrol-prices/

source from wikipedia