Gasoline and diesel usage and pricing

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Example from Germany 2007, €1.319 per litre (€4.99/US gal) (€5.988/imperial gal)

The usage and pricing of gasoline (or petrol) results from factors such as crude oil prices, processing and distribution costs, local demand, the strength of local currencies, local taxation, and the availability of local sources of gasoline (supply). Since fuels are traded worldwide, the trade prices are similar. The price paid by consumers largely reflects national pricing policy. Most countries impose taxes on gasoline (petrol), which causes air pollution and climate change; whereas a few, such as Venezuela, subsidize the cost.[1] Some country's taxes do not cover all the negative externalities, that is they do not make the polluter pay the full cost.[2][3][4] Western countries have among the highest usage rates per person. The largest consumer is the United States.[5]

Fuel prices in the United States[]

Percentage of cost for gasoline and diesel in the United States.
Retail markup over crude oil and wholesale gasoline, 2014–2019

In 2008 a report by Cambridge Energy Research Associates stated that 2007 had been the year of peak gasoline usage in the United States, and that record energy prices would cause an "enduring shift" in energy consumption practices.[6] According to the report, in April fuel consumption had been lower than a year before for the sixth straight month, suggesting 2008 would be the first year US usage declined in 17 years. The total annual distance driven in the US began declining in 2006.[7]

The average price in 2012 was $3.618 per US gallon ($0.96/L), the highest ever yearly average as of 31 December 2012. As of 31 December 2012, the average price of gasoline was $3.298/US gal ($0.87/L), with New York at $3.70/US gal ($0.98/L) for the highest in the US, and Colorado at $2.987/US gal ($0.79/L) for the lowest.[8]

Finished motor gasoline amounts to 44% of the total US consumption of petroleum products.[9] This corresponds to 18.5 exajoules per year (5.1 trillion kilowatt-hours per year). As of 2012, the cost of crude oil accounted for 62% of the cost of a gallon of gasoline in the United States while refining accounted for just 12%. Taxes and distribution/marketing accounted for 12% and 14% respectively.[10]

After Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita, gas prices started rising to record high levels. In terms of the aggregate economy, increases in crude oil prices significantly predict the growth of real gross domestic product (GDP), but increases in natural gas prices do not.[11] In August 2005, after the damages from Hurricane Katrina ran up gas prices, on August 30, a day after Katrina's landfall, prices in the spot market, which typically include a premium above the wellhead price, had surged past $11 per gigajoule ($12 per million British thermal units), and on 22 September 2005, the day before Rita's landfall, the spot price had risen to $14 per gigajoule ($15 per million British thermal units).[11]

In the fifteen years prior to the 1973 oil crisis, gasoline prices in the U.S. had lagged well behind inflation.[12]

In early 2020 the gas price has dropped down to a national average of $1.73 a gallon.[13]


Crude oil[]

Crude oil prices to gas prices

Crude oil is the greatest contributing factor when it comes to the price of gasoline.[citation needed] This includes the resources it takes for exploration, to remove it from the ground, and transport it. Between 2004 and 2008, there was an increase in fuel costs due in large part to a worldwide increase in demand for crude oil. Prices leapt from $35 to $140 per barrel ($220 to $880/m3), causing a corresponding increase in gas prices.[14] On the supply side, OPEC (or the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) has a great deal to do with the price of gasoline, both in the United States and around the world. The speculation of oil commodities can also affect the gasoline market.

Taxes[]

Main article: Fuel taxes in the United States

Taxes are the next biggest contributor to gasoline prices at around 12%. In the United States, both state and federal taxes apply to gasoline. In addition, other taxes may be placed on gas including applicable state sales taxes, gross receipts taxes, oil inspection fees, underground storage tank fees and other miscellaneous environmental fees.

Marketing and distribution[]

Distribution and marketing makes up the remaining 5%. The price of transporting crude oil to a refinery then gasoline to a point of distribution is passed on to the consumer. In addition the price to market the fuel brand is passed on.

Other factors[]

Aside from this breakdown, many other factors affect gasoline prices. Extreme weather, war or natural disaster in areas where oil is produced can also in turn raise the price of a gallon of gasoline. Legislation by several states for cleaner burning fuel also affects certain areas' prices of gasoline.

Balance between supply and demand directly affects the price of gasoline. U.S. consumption of gasoline follows a seasonal pattern, where every year it is more expensive during the summer months when more people are driving. The long-term trend of consumption has been to increase year over year since 1950, with dips around the introduction of corporate average fuel economy standards and the 1979 energy crisis, the early 1990s recession and Gulf War, and the Great Depression.[15]

Petrol usage and pricing in Europe[]

Gasoline and Diesel nominal price development 1993-2014 in Switzerland (CHF/l).

Most European countries have higher fuel taxes than the US, but Russia and some neighboring countries have a much smaller tax, with fuel prices similar to the US.[1]

Competitive petrol pricing in the UK is led by supermarkets with their own forecourts. Generally each supermarket tends to match the other's prices; the lead players being Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury's and Morrisons.[16]

Countries with subsidised gasoline[]

A number of countries subsidize the cost of petrol/gasoline and other petroleum products. Subsidies make transport of people and goods cheaper, but discourage fuel efficiency. In some countries, the soaring cost of crude oil since 2003 has led to these subsidies being cut, moving inflation from the government debt to the general populace, sometimes resulting in political unrest.

Fuel subsidies are common in oil-rich nations. Countries with subsidized fuel include Saudi Arabia, Iran, Egypt, Burma, Kuwait, Bahrain, Trinidad and Tobago, Brunei, Venezuela, Ecuador and Bolivia.[citation needed]

In February 2010, the Iranian government implemented an energy price reform by which the energy subsidies were to be removed in five years; the most important price hike was in gasoline, as the price went up from 1000 rials ($0.10 US) to 4000 rials ($0.40 US) per litre, with a ration of 100 litres per month for private passenger cars (later reduced to 60 litres per month).

On 26 December 2010, the Bolivian government issued a decree removing subsidies which had fixed petrol/gasoline and diesel prices for the past seven years. Arguing that illegal exports (contraband) of gasoline and diesel fuel to neighboring countries by individuals for personal profit was harming the economy, Bolivia eliminated the subsidies and raised gasoline prices as much as 83%. After widespread labor strikes, the Bolivian government canceled all future planned price hikes.[17]

Venezuela used to have the cheapest gasoline in the world for decades, however on 19 February 2016 president Nicolás Maduro used decree powers to raise fuel prices by 6000%. This was the first rise in petrol prices in 20 years and he also set in place a sharp devaluation of the currency which he said aimed to shore up the country's failing economy, hard hit by falling oil prices which make up 95% of foreign income. Prices at the pump in Venezuela jumped as much as 6,086% for 95 octane gasoline, from 0.097 bolivars to 6 bolivars.[18] May 20 2020 govermment did increase the price to US$ 0.5 a litre.

Iran[]

See also: Smuggling in Iran and 2007 Gasoline Rationing Plan in Iran

The Iranian government introduced an energy price reform in February 2010. The reform was brought forward by the government and approved with some changes by the parliament. The major aim of the policy was to slow down the increasing trend of energy consumption in Iran by removing the energy subsidies. The plan included electricity, natural gas, gasoline, and diesel subsidies. According to the plan, all energy prices were to increase by 20 percent annually. The price reform was particularly important in gasoline, as consumption had been increasing dramatically creating a huge burden on government budget. Furthermore, to meet demand, Iran had to import gasoline from other countries, which made the country vulnerable to possible sanctions by the US and European countries. The gas price prior to reform was $0.10 US per liter with the quota of 100 liters per month per passenger car. The reform raised the price to $0.40 US per liter and later reduced the ration to 60 liters per month. The price for over-quota consumption and the imported cars were $0.70 US per liter. The energy price reform included a cash-rebate program through which each person received 455,000 rials ($15 US) per month from the government. The overall consumption of gasoline after the reform decreased from about 65 million liters per day to about 54 million liters per day.[19]

The price of gasoline based on the official USD to IRR rate is 0.29 USD/Litre in 2018 which is the second cheapest price in the world after Venezuela.[20]

Nigeria[]

Petrol subsidies mainly benefit rich people.[21] On 1 January 2012, the Nigerian government headed by president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, tried to cease the subsidy on petrol and deregulate the oil prices by announcing the new price for petrol as USD 0.88/litre from the old subsidised price of USD 0.406/litre (LAGOS), which in areas distant from Lagos petrol was priced at USD 1.25/litre. This led to the longest general strike (eight days), riots, Arab spring like protests and on 16 January 2012 the government capitulated by announcing a new price of USD 0.60/litre with an envisaged price of USD 2.0/litre in distant areas.[22] In May 2016 the Buhari administration increased fuel prices again to NGN 145 per litre ($0.43 at black market rates for the currency).[23]

Mexico[]

PEMEX, a government company in charge of selling oil in Mexico is subsidized by the Mexican government. This serves to quell inflationary pressures in Mexico. Mexico buys much of its gasoline and diesel from the United States and resells it at US$98 per barrel. Many residents of US border communities cross the border to buy fuel in Mexico,[24] thereby enjoying a cheaper fuel subsidy at the expense of Mexican taxpayers. This has caused frequent supply shortages at a number of filling stations along the border for Mexican drivers, especially truck and bus drivers who use diesel.[25]

In 2017, Mexico ended its oil industry subsidies, leading to increased prices and widespread protests throughout the country.[26]

Trinidad and Tobago[]

Trinidad and Tobago through its national energy agencies Petrotrin and Trinidad and Tobago National Petroleum Marketing Company Limited (NP)[27] offers petroleum fuels at varying subsidised prices to the users within the country.[28] Unleaded Gasoline is offered at two grades - Ron 91 at US$0.43/Litre and Ron 95 at US$0.91/Litre. Diesel is offered at US$0.24/Litre making this fuel some of the cheapest in the world.

There are an estimated 791,086 cars in the country as at February 2015 and they consume 1.2 billion litres of liquid fuel annually The Government of Trinidad and Tobago spent an estimated US$173.2 million in subsidies for gasoline and diesel in half year period October 2014 - March 2015.[29]

United States[]

The oil industry receives subsidies through the United States tax code, which include Percentage Depletion Allowance,[30] Domestic Manufacturing Tax Deduction, the Foreign Tax Credit and Expensing Intangible Drilling Costs. It is estimated that these tax deductions are worth $4 billion annually and are currently being debated by the government for reform.[citation needed] Although such subsidies exist, the sale of fuel is also taxed at rates that far exceed the sales tax rates for other goods, to help pay for bridge and road repair. It is thus unclear whether the tax impact on fuel is a net subsidy or not. However, by this logic we should also consider the fact fuel taxes can account for less than half of government road and highway spending. The additional spending is clearly a subsidy, since the existence of these roads creates fuel demand. Moreover, since the fuel tax itself is allocated to road repair, and petroleum vehicles are the main users of roads, we cannot claim the existence of such a tax cancels out other subsidies.

Venezuela[]

In 2013, PDVSA, Venezuelan state-owned company, spent US$1.7 billion in direct costs of importation of gasoline, and subsidizing all sales of gasoline in the internal Venezuelan market. The sale price of gasoline was US$0.015[needs update] per liter, on a fixed price in the local currency that has been in effect since 1997. Given the low price of gasoline, it is distributed free of charge to gas stations.[31]

In May 30 2020 government did announce a price increase to US$ 0.5 per liter which is the price until now Jun 4 2021, but with supply shortages at the service stations.

Countries that formerly subsidised gasoline[]

Indonesia[]

In March 2005, Indonesia increased the price of gasoline and diesel by 29%, causing widespread protests. The price of gasoline was raised from Rp 1,920 (US$0.20) per litre to Rp 2,400 (US$0.25) per litre, while diesel rose from Rp 1,650 (US$0.18) to Rp 2,100 (US$0.23). Prices were increased again in October to Rp 4,000 (US$0.48) a litre, for gasoline, while diesel was increased to Rp 4,300 (US$0.46), and kerosene, used for cooking, increased from Rp 700 (US$0.08) to Rp 2,000 (US$0.22) per litre. The price increases came as oil prices threatened to increase the government's oil subsidy to US$14 billion per year, and caused further protests.

With oil reaching over US$145 a barrel, Indonesia further increased prices on 24 May 2008 to Rp 6,000 (approx. US$0.65) per litre, and diesel to Rp 5,500 (approx. US$0.60) per litre, while kerosene was raised to Rp 2,500 (approx. US$0.28), moves which caused widespread protests.[32] In addition, it was suggested that private car owners, who are wealthy in Indonesian terms, would eventually be excluded from subsidies entirely, with the cheap fuel limited to public transport and motorcycles.

In June 2013, the government raised the price of low-octane gasoline 44% to 6,500 rupiah ($0.66) per liter and of diesel 22% to 5,500 rupiah per liter to help close a widening budget deficit. The move caused violent protest in some areas.

Furthermore, on November 18, 2014, the new government led by President Joko Widodo reallocated the government subsidy for gasoline and diesel into nation's infrastructure, education and health budget, hence raised the price of subsidized gasoline and diesel by Rp 2,000 each, so the price of gasoline and diesel became Rp 8,500 and Rp 7,500 respectively. This decision created inflation and protest throughout the archipelago.[33]

People have been encouraged to switch to LPG for cooking, as Indonesia is the world's largest exporter, whereas its oil industry is in decline, and it is now a net importer.

Malaysia[]

Malaysia had been subsidising gasoline since 1983.[34] In 2014, Malaysia abolished fuel subsidies and began using a managed float system, in order to control the country's large current account deficit.[35][36]

Typical gasoline prices around the world[]

See fuel tax for tax information by country.

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (German Agency for International Cooperation) (GIZ) has published a list of worldwide gasoline prices by country every year since 1991. Two week updates for European countries can be consulted at the website of the Touring Club Switzerland.[citation needed]

Protests[]

India[]

Wide protests on petrol price hikes have been frequent in the last 4–5 years.[when?][citation needed] On 24 May 2012 the petrol price was hiked by ₹7.50, resulting prices in the range of ₹73 - 82 all over the country.[37] Opposition had declared a bandh on 31 May 2012 across the country to protest against the price hike,[38] which evoked mixed response, amid incidents of stone pelting, arson and road blockades in some parts of the country.[39][40]

See also[]

  • Automobile costs

References[]

  1. ^ Jump up to: a b Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (German Agency for International Cooperation). "International Fuel Prices 2010/11" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 12 May 2013. Retrieved 27 March 2013.
  2. ^ "Fossil fuel costs must include externalities". The Statesman. 4 March 2021. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  3. ^ Environment, U. N. (1 December 2020). "Emissions Gap Report 2020". UNEP - UN Environment Programme. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  4. ^ Bhalla, Jag (24 February 2021). "What's your "fair share" of carbon emissions? You're probably blowing way past it". Vox. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  5. ^ Fueling America: A Snapshot of Key Facts and Figures Archived 2012-06-08 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 7 August 2012
  6. ^ Ana Campoy (20 June 2008). "Prices Curtail US Gasoline Use". Wall Street Journal. p. A4.
  7. ^ Clifford Krauss (19 June 2008). "Driving Less, Americans Finally React to Sting of Gas Prices, a Study Says". New York Times. Retrieved 6 January 2013.
  8. ^ "Weekly Retail Gasoline and Diesel Prices". US EIA. Retrieved 6 January 2013.
  9. ^ US Energy Information Administration. "US Product Supplied for Crude Oil and Petroleum Products". Retrieved 25 May 2007.
  10. ^ What do I pay for in a gallon of regular gasoline? US Energy Information Administration. Retrieved 7 August 2012.
  11. ^ Jump up to: a b Kliesen, Kevin L. "Rising Natural Gas Prices And Real Economic Activity". Review (00149187) 88.6 (2006): 511-526. Academic Search Premier. Web. 12 February 2013
  12. ^ "Gas prices catch up to inflation". Eugene Register-Guard. (Oregon). Associated Press. 24 February 1974. p. 6A.
  13. ^ Bogage, Jacob (20 March 2020). "Gas prices drop below $2 in 19 states and are expected to keep falling". Washington Post. Retrieved 15 March 2021.
  14. ^ Rittenberg and Tregarthen. Principles of Microeconomics: Chapter 4. Retrieved 19 June 2012.
  15. ^ U.S. Gasoline Use Hits A Record, But That May Not Last (with chart)
  16. ^ Deo, Ritwik (October 2012). "Petrol prices on the slide". My Family Club.
  17. ^ "Fuel Price Reform in Bolivia" (PDF). Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).
  18. ^ Brodzinsky, Sibylla (17 February 2016). "Venezuela president raises fuel price by 6,000% and devalues Bolivar to tackle crisis" – via The Guardian.
  19. ^ Iranian targeted subsidy plan.[circular reference]
  20. ^ https://www.globalpetrolprices.com/gasoline_prices/
  21. ^ Raval, Anjli; Cornish, Chloe; Munshi, Neil (26 May 2021). "Oil producers face costly transition as world looks to net-zero future". Financial Times. Retrieved 4 June 2021.
  22. ^ https://www.economist.com/news/middle-east-and-africa/21699171-petrol-prices-are-now-bit-more-realistic-will-naira-be-next-fuel-and
  23. ^ "Nigeria fury as fuel prices double after subsidy ends". 2 January 2012 – via www.bbc.co.uk.
  24. ^ http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/mexico/tijuana/20081127-9999-1b27gas.html
  25. ^ Millman, Joel; Campoy, Ana (24 June 2008). "Fill 'er Up: Gas Is Cheap in Tijuana, So Californians Buy Big Fuel Tanks". The Wall Street Journal. p. A1.
  26. ^ Okeowo, Alexis (24 January 2017). "The Gas-Price Protests Gripping Mexico". The New Yorker. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
  27. ^ "Company Profile - NP".
  28. ^ http://www.energy.tt/index.php?categoryid=355&p2001_articleid=1233
  29. ^ "Fuel subsidy lower at $912m".
  30. ^ https://www.wsj.com/articles/does-the-oil-and-gas-industry-still-need-tax-breaks-1479092522
  31. ^ "Venezuela se arruina por tener la gasolina más barata del mundo" [Venezuela is going bankrupt for having the cheapest gasoline in the world] (in Spanish). ABC. 14 May 2013. Retrieved 26 January 2021.
  32. ^ "AFP: Indonesian police, protesters clash over fuel price hike: reports". Archived from the original on 13 June 2008. Retrieved 28 May 2008.
  33. ^ Janes, Andrew (21 November 2014). "Indonesian Rupiah Completes Weekly Gain After Fuel Subsidies Cut". Bloomberg.
  34. ^ http://www.iisd.org/gsi/sites/default/files/ffs_malaysia_czguide.pdf
  35. ^ "Malaysia to end petrol and diesel subsidies". BBC News. 21 November 2014 – via www.bbc.com.
  36. ^ "Putrajaya scraps subsidies for RON95, diesel". 21 November 2014.
  37. ^ Agencies (24 May 2012). "Petrol price hiked by Rs. 7.50, oil firms say can't help it". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 25 May 2012. Retrieved 24 May 2012.
  38. ^ "Petrol price hike: Opposition unites to call for all India bandh on May 31". The Times of India. 24 May 2012. Archived from the original on 26 January 2013. Retrieved 24 May 2012.
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  40. ^ NDTV Correspondent (31 May 2012). "Bharat Bandh: Nationwide protests on petrol price hike evoke mixed response". NDTV. New Delhi, India. Retrieved 31 May 2012.

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