Oregon Fuel Price Variance
Fuel Market News
Prices are dropping across the market. Rack averages for E10 have dropped $0.19 this past week, while rack averages for B5 dropped $0.04 and B20 dropped $0.01. A major reason for this is the significant drop in crude oil prices as crude dropped $6.40 this week, its largest drop in 6 months. We can expect gas prices to begin to climb back up slightly as the demand for gasoline should be increasing soon as the summer travel trends begin. The EIA reported last week that US Diesel demand hit a 26-year low in March, dating back to 1998. Renewable fuel production and green infrastructure becoming more prominent is likely a major contributor to the diesel demand drop.
City of Portland began their fuel blending requirements for all diesel blends to increase to the minimum of a B15 blend. This will lead to most stations using B20 biodiesel or R99 Renewable diesel if allocations allow for it. To learn more about these changes that will affect your company’s vehicles, equipment, and annual fuel purchasing schedule an appointment with one of our fuel market analysts.
Important Note: Per the City Of Portland, “Distributors in the City of Portland are required to meet the minimum biofuel content requirements for all fuel they distribute beginning on May 15, 2024. All diesel fuel distributed to retail stations, non-retail dealers, or wholesale purchaser-consumers must include a minimum of 15% biofuel content, from either renewable diesel or biodiesel. This requirement increases to 50% on May 15, 2026, and 99% on May 15, 2030”.
Reasons For Price Variance:
Crude oil is trading below $80 for the sixth week straight, at a current price of $73.43/barrel, $6.40 lower than last week, as oil prices trended down, for the first time in three weeks.
Crude oil is the main ingredient for gasoline and diesel. Per AAA, on average about 50% of what you pay at the pump is the price of crude oil, breaking down as 25% refining, 11% distribution & marketing, and 14% taxes—a helpful breakdown for consumers wondering why they are paying the prices that they pay. Crude Oil is trading at $73.43 per barrel compared to $79.83 last week and $80 a year ago.
It’s essential to recognize that fuel prices result from a complex interplay of the factors mentioned above and other factors regionally. Additionally, prices may vary by specific regions within Oregon and Washington. For the most precise and up-to-date information on fuel prices and the causes for these price changes within your area, use the links below for AAA & GasBuddy.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Star Oilco and speak to one of our fuel market advisors to discuss how the market can impact your business.