Many factors influence the price of gasoline.
Prices will vary depending on geographical location, competition among gasoline stations, local taxes, refiner and dealer margins, transportation costs, etc. Dealer Margin normally lags changes in the wholesale price of gasoline. Refinery Margin must cover all costs associated with production, distribution, and acquisition of gasoline. The Refinery Margin covers all costs associated with refining and terminal operation, crude oil processing, oxygenate additives, product shipment and storage, oil spill fees, depreciation, brand advertising, purchases of gasoline to cover refinery shortages and profits. The trend in Refinery Margin is correct, but the data may not reflect actual values for individual companies due to a lack of detailed information on weighted average costs of blendstocks, refinery costs, dealer tank wagon prices, etc.