Q: Is there any truth to gasoline prices being linked to mixtures related to seasonal temperatures or altitude?
— George Cannon, Cumming
A: Gas prices often are affected when refineries switch seasonal blends, which are formulated for higher or lower temperatures. There are many gas blends in the U.S. designed to meet federal or local guidelines. Refineries are preparing summer blends of gas, which are formulated specifically for hotter summer months, just one of several factors leading to the rise in gas prices this year. These factors also include the price of crude oil, which has risen 10 percent in the past two months, and lower international production. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported that the U.S. retail price of regular gasoline rose 45 cents per gallon from the start of the year through Feb. 18, with the national average reaching $3.75 a gallon that day. The price "of Brent crude, the waterborne light sweet crude grade that drives the wholesale price of gasoline sold in most U.S. regions, rose about $6 per barrel, or about 15 cents per gallon," the EIA wrote on its website. The EIA also reported that many refineries "schedule maintenance early in the year when gasoline demand is seasonally low." OPEC also is believed to have cut production by 1 million barrels a day, Money.CNN.com reported.
Q: Why does the cost of auto emission inspections range from $14.99 to $35?
— David Rogie, Atlanta
A: Pricing varies per auto emission inspection station, which are independently owned and operated. But a state law sets the price range for auto emissions between $10 and $25. The price must be displayed outside the station on a state-certified sign. For more information, visit www.cleanairforce.com.
Andy Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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