Gasoline
Price Chart
At a Glance
RBOB gasoline (Reformulated Blendstock for Oxygenate Blending) is the benchmark US gasoline futures contract. Prices follow crude oil but have their own seasonal pattern — rising into the summer driving season (Memorial Day through Labor Day) and falling in winter. The gasoline crack spread measures refining margin, while regional supply disruptions (refinery outages, hurricanes) can cause temporary price spikes.
Supply & Demand
Supply
Demand
Key Drivers
Crude Oil Prices
neutralCrude oil is the primary input — about 55% of the retail gasoline price is determined by crude oil cost.
Driving Season
bullishUS gasoline demand peaks between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Pre-season inventory builds and refinery maintenance create the annual cycle.
Refinery Outages
bullishUnplanned outages or hurricane disruptions to Gulf Coast refineries can spike gasoline prices quickly.
Ethanol Mandates
neutralThe RFS requires ~10% ethanol blending, adding cost but also linking gasoline to corn prices.
EV Adoption
bearishElectric vehicle adoption is slowly eroding gasoline demand growth, though fleet turnover is gradual.
Inventory Levels
neutralUS gasoline stocks relative to the 5-year average signal surplus or deficit. Currently near average.
Historical Returns
| Year | Annual Return | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | +4.20% | |
| 2024 | -7.10% | |
| 2023 | -4.30% | |
| 2022 | +8.90% | |
| 2021 | +58.20% | |
| 2020 | -18.30% | |
| 2019 | +28.70% | |
| 2018 | -22.40% | |
| 2017 | +8.10% | |
| 2016 | +32.60% |