The cheapest and most expensive states to buy gas in America – Jalopnik

Old timers may remember what it was like to buy gas in 1999. Times have certainly changed, just like the gas prices. Since the early 2000s, gas prices have increased exponentially, from the prices for bargain base to auction house levels from Exorbitant. No matter how strange it sounds, the gas prices throughout America are not uniform. It changes from state to state. And you realize this especially if you make a cross -country trip or fill your rental car on the other side of the country.

States such as Washington, Oregon, California and Hawaii have the most expensive gas and float above $ 4 per gallon. In the meantime, states such as Texas, Mississippi, Alabama and Arkansas have the most affordable gas, with prices below $ 2.7 per gallon, in contrast to the White House claiming that gas is $ 1.98 per gallon. This includes the prices for regular, mid-grade and premium gas, while diesel is also included. Let’s look at the United States with the highest gas prices and that with the lowest. Before that we look at the reason why the gas prices differ in different states, and it is much more to do than EVs and external activities.

The primary reason for the difference in gas prices between states is the taxes that are levied on it. These include local and sales tax, and simply put, some states raise higher taxes than others. On average, gasoline prices include 17% of taxes. In fact, we pay less taxes on diesel, by 16%. That is just a fraction of the price that is levied above crude oil. If you take the regular gasoline price into account, crude oil includes 52% of the total costs for which you pay. The price includes the costs of refining (16%) and distribution and marketing (15%). In the case of diesel, while crude oil is only 44%of the total costs, you ultimately pay more for refining (22%) and distribution and marketing (19%).

The reason why distribution is a large part of the gas prices is the dependence on many factors. One is the distance from where the fuel, such as a refinery, to its final destination, is also known as the gas station. The fuel can be transported by pipeline, by road or by rail. Then there is the geographical location, or how difficult it is to transport fuel. These factors influence distribution costs. Then there is supply and demand. Dispipage stations in the region lead to higher demand, ergo higher prices. Disruptions in the delivery lines, such as a pipeline break or a refinery -closure due to a hurricane, can also lead to a temporary increase in gas prices.

Some states have environmental programs that require reformulated gasoline. This gas contains additives that help reduce air pollutants caused by evaporation or even burning gasoline. It is clear that these additives add costs. Other environmental programs have closer guidelines with regard to the transport and storage of fuel.

If you look closely, the gas prices are usually dependent on the region. Petrol prices are the highest on the west coast. These include states such as Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington. The following are the states in the Rocky Mountain region and the central Atlantic region. These states where prices float more than $ 3 per gallon are Colorado, Montana, Idaho, Utah, New York and Pennsylvania.

The reason why the gas prices are high on the west coast is due to the low number of refineries, strict regulations and a high amount of load. The third most expensive gas state is Hawaii. Prices for normal gas amounted to $ 4,488 per gallon at the time of writing this article. The next is Washington for $ 4,623 per gallon. The state with the most expensive gas is California, for $ 4,657 per gallon.

The high prices for gas in California are due to various factors. The geographical insulation of the state of the rest of the country makes it more difficult to deliver fuel through pipelines. Very few refineries outside of California can also meet the complicated formulated fuel requirements of the state. The cleaner, formulated gasoline from California even exceeds guidelines for federal gasoline programs. In fact, California imports his gas from India and South Korea, the shipping prices of which contribute to the costs. The cleaner gasoline itself is expensive to make. California charges the highest fuel tax, up to $ 0.90 per gallon. In addition to state taxes, the costs of compliance with the environment contribute to fuel prices. In general, fuel in California costs more than $ 1 per gallon compared to the national average fuel prices.

The most affordable gas can be found in states along the Gulf Coast, and for a good reason. States on the Gulf Coast are the home base of a large number of refineries that produce more than half of America refining capacity. In fact, this region produces more gas than it uses, which leads to a surplus. The transport costs are also low, so that the fuel prices are further reduced. States along the Gulf Coast also raise fuel loads that are lower than the national average, and some are Alabama, Florida, Texas and Mississippi. The states with the third most affordable gas are Texas, for $ 2,753 per gallon, and Louisiana, for $ 2,754 per gallon. Oklahoma is second, for $ 2,726 per gallon. Mississippi has the cheapest fuel, for $ 2,704 per gallon.

The low taxes is an important reason for the low fuel prices of Mississippi. Mississippi’s fuel load is the second lowest in the country, about $ 0.18 per gallon crude oil. The other reason is the lower transport costs. The state houses three refineries, which produce up to 2% of American domestic refining power every day. This, in addition to his proximity of refineries in adjacent States Louisiana and Texas.

Although that is a lot, Mississippi does not have as many cities as most other states. The state has a lower demand for fuel than other states, which leads to a lower demand for gas. These factors contribute to the low fuel prices of Mississippi. States in the midwest, such as Ohio, Minnesota, Nebraska, South Dakota, Michigan and Illinois, also have low fuel prices. States along the east coast, New England and the lower Atlantic regions of low gas prices are also benefiting.

If you are on your way on a cross-country road trip, planning will literally save you gas money. The first step is to plan your route. Although the most efficient route between two destinations is a straight line, taking a detour through states with the cheapest gas can lead to considerable savings on gas money. Some apps show pumps that offer the most affordable gas. Factor this while planning your road trip. Fuel pumps along the highway usually offer more expensive gas.

Instead, you travel a few miles from the highway of the residential areas, where gas can be cheaper. In case you have little fuel and the only options there are, are expensive gas stations, do not completely enter; Just enough for you to reach the next cheapest gas station. On the other hand, you could simply travel in an EV. In summary, California is the state with the most expensive gas, with prices that float around $ 4,657 per gallon, while Mississippi is the state with the cheapest gas, for $ 2,704 per gallon.