Will Gas Prices Surge On May 1st In New York?

We could see the price at the pump leap up tomorrow all across New York State.

Tomorrow is the date that all gas suppliers need to be switched over to the "Summer Blend" of gas, and that blend cost more to produce than the "Winter Blend" of gas.

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Every year gas producers have to change the formula of how they make gas based on the weather conditions across the country.

WHAT IS SUMMER BLEND GAS?

The government calls for gas producers to make "Summer Blend" gas during the warmer months. This blend has lower volatility, making it less likely to evaporate while sitting in your car’s gas tank in the heat. It is also less likely to emit harmful fumes into the atmosphere.

WHAT IS WINTER BLEND GAS?

The government calls for gas producers to make "Winter Blend" gas during the colder months of the year. This blend is made with a high Reid Vapor Pressure or RVP. Gas that has a higher RVP evaporates more quickly. This is good since your engine doesn't have to be as hot to turn on which is ideal in colder months.

WHEN DO COMPANIES HAVE TO SWITCH TO SUMMER BLEND GAS?

Companies that produce gas have to start producing "Summer Blend" gas by May 1st. Gas Stations have until June 1st to make the switch over to "Summer Blend" Most gas stations will try and sell all the rest of their Winter Blend by the middle of May and convert to 100% by June 1st.

HOW MUCH MORE DOE SUMMER BLEND GAS COST?

According to the website Gasbuddy.com, the average cost to produce "Summer Blend" gas is about 15 cents more per gallon than the "Winter Blend" That increase in cost is passed on to the consumer which is there is an expected increase in the price of gas coming up.

HOW LONG DO COMPANIES USE SUMMER BLEND GAS?

Gas producers and gas stations have to sell "Summer Blend" gas only until September 15th. After that, they can transition to the cheaper "Winter Blend" until May 1st of the following year.