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)
|
9/16/15
|
Week Ago
|
Year Ago
|
National
|
$2.31 | $2.38 |
$3.38
|
New Jersey
|
$2.06 |
$2.13
|
$3.24
|
Trenton
|
$2.11 |
$2.19
|
$3.27
|
Cape May County
|
$2.11 |
$2.18
|
$3.23
|
Burlington
|
$1.99 |
$2.05
|
$3.21
|
Middlesex, Somerset, Hunterdon Counties
|
$2.06 |
$2.13
|
$3.24
|
Monmouth, Ocean Counties
|
$2.08 |
$2.15
|
$3.24
|
|
|
The switch between the two fuels happens twice a year, once in the fall (to winter-blend) and again in the spring (to summer-blend). The changeover requires significant work at refineries, so oil companies schedule their maintenance for those times when they will already be “down” for the blend switches.
AAA has a variety of resources to help motorists save on fuel:
- Fuel Price Finder (AAA.com/fuelfinder) locates the lowest fuel price in your area.
- Fuel Cost Calculator (FuelCostCalculator.AAA.com) helps budget travel expenses.
- TripTik Mobile (AAA.com/mobile) plots fuel prices along your travel route.
- AAA's Member Rewards Visa® Credit Card (AAA.com/financial/AAAvisa.htm) accumulates double points on fuel purchases.