It’s time for the big gas switch in many parts of the nation, when road trips become more inviting and, sometimes, a little more pricey when it’s time to fuel up.
“Summer blend” gasoline is a specially formulated fuel that is used during the summer months to reduce smog and air pollution. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires that certain areas with higher pollution levels use this blend of gasoline during the summer season, typically from June 1st to September 15th.
We’re so excited, and we just can’t hide it! Air Quality Awareness Week is next week! Celebrate #AQAW2023 with us by checking out our daily topics and reading about how EPA is working to protect air quality and public health: https://t.co/vTihmb0xkC
— EPAair (@EPAair) April 25, 2023
The summer blend of gasoline has a lower vapor pressure than winter blend gasoline, which means it produces less evaporative emissions. This is important during the hot summer months when higher temperatures can cause more smog and air pollution.
However, producing the summer blend of gasoline requires additional refining and processing steps, which can increase the cost of production. This, in turn, can lead to higher prices at the pump during the summer months.
Additionally, since different regions of the country have different requirements for gasoline blends, there can be supply chain disruptions as refineries switch from winter to summer blends, which can also impact prices.
However, prices sometimes peak in spring when the transition goes into effect and then actually ease as supply chains get caught up.
So it’s worth noting that the impact of summer blend gasoline on prices at the pump can vary depending on a variety of factors, including global oil prices, regional supply and demand, and refinery capacity.
The following states and the District of Columbia are required to use summer blend gasoline:
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Virginia
Several metropolitan areas in other states, including Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, and Milwaukee, are also required to use summer blend gasoline. The specific requirements and dates for the use of summer blend gasoline can vary depending on the location and local regulations.
_ADAC_Deutschland_Klassik_2018_6290579.jpg){kind=link}