Changeover to winter-blend gasoline could lead to gas prices below $2

Hamilton, NJ – Even though temperatures are chillier this week and school is now underway,  not everyone is ready to think about “winter” in September - unless you enjoy paying even less at the gas pump.

“Beginning today, winter-blend gasoline is available at most gas pumps across the country and the savings refineries receive from producing it may help send already low gas prices below $2 a gallon,” says Tracy Noble, spokesperson for AAA Mid-Atlantic.

The difference between summer- and winter-blend gasoline has to do with Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP), a measure of how easily the fuel evaporates at a given temperature. The more volatile a gasoline (higher RVP), the easier it evaporates. Winter-blend fuel has a higher RVP because the fuel must be able to evaporate at low temperatures for the engine to operate properly, especially when the engine is cold. Winter-blend is also easier to produce and refineries often pass their production savings on to consumers. Summer-blend has a lower RVP to prevent excessive evaporation when outside temperatures rise, which decreases emissions that can contribute to unhealthy ozone levels.

CURRENT AND PAST GAS PRICE AVERAGES

Regular Unleaded Gasoline (*indicates record high)