2013 NACS Retail Fuels Report

The NACS Retail Fuels Report, now in its 12th year, explains market conditions that affect gas prices - and what to watch for in 2013.

Introduction Download PDF These resources help facilitate an open discussion about the issues impacting supply, distribution and the future of fuels. Download complete report here.
Consumer Research
Consumer Perceptions Download PDF What are consumer perceptions about fuel retailers, as well as on alternative fuels?	Price-Sensitive Customers Download PDF New insights on how consumers buy fuel and what retailers do to capture more sales at the pump.	Consumer Fuels Survey Results Download PDF What consumers think about gas prices and the economy. January 2013 February 2013 March 2013 April 2013 May 2013
Fuel and Pricing
What Influences Gas Prices? Download PDF No matter who owns the station, retail fuels prices are ultimately determined by four sets of costs.	Why Prices Historically Go Up in the Spring Download PDF There are several factors that can affect retail fuels prices.	Why Diesel Costs More than Gasoline Download PDF The change in market dynamics is a function of four broad factors.
Retail Operations
Who Sells America's Fuel? Download PDF C-stores sell 80% of the gasoline in the United States -- most are one-store businesses.	How Branded Stations Operate Download PDF That branded station on the corner is almost certainly owned and operated by an independent dealer.	Challenges Remain Before E15 Usage Is Widespread Download PDF Sales remain light as retailers review how E15 could fit in their portfolio.
How Hurricane Sandy Affected the Fuels Industry Download PDF What caused severe post-storm fuel outages, and can they be solved?	Future of Fuels 2013 Download PDF NACS publishes its analysis of fuels data through 2040.	Summertime: When the Livin’ Is Easy…. and MPG May Increase Download PDF There is a lesser-known benefit for drivers in the summer: increased fuel efficiency.
Statistics and Historical Context
Key Facts and Figures Download PDF C-stores sell 80% of the motor fuels purchased in the United States; essential facts about fuels retailing.	Why Is Gas Priced Using Fractions of a Penny? Download PDF Gas prices that end in 9/10th of a cent are standard practice today.	History of Gasoline Retailing Download PDF Many significant events and innovations that have shaped the fuels retailing industry.
Statistics and Definitions Download PDF Current information about motor fuels demand, supply, refining, distribution and retail operations.

Tools for Retailers

NACS Magazine provides in-depth analysis of many issues related to fueling.

A Sandy Mess (December 2012)
Bringing the Store to the Pump (October 2012)
Inside Washington: Historic 54.5 MPG Fuel Efficiency Standards Finalized (October 2012)
Global Trends: Global Forum Looks to the Future of Fuels (August 2012)
Inside Washington: Fuel Mythbusting (July 2012)
The Big Apple Fuel Desert (April 2012)
What Fuels Consumer Behavior? (March 2012)

The Frank Lloyd Wright Gasoline Station (February 2012)
Self-Serve Evolution (October 2011)
Not Your Grandfather's Fuel Theft (September 2011)
Free Market, or Free-for-All? (April 2011)
Getting the Word Out (March 2011)
Cashing In on Vehicle Charging (March 2011)
Food for Thought: Does the Oil Brand Still Matter to Consumers? (October 2010)

Other Resources

Gasoline Myths - and Facts
A few of the more common myths - and the actual facts - about gasoline.

Online Resources on Gasoline Prices
Websites and resources providing additional information.

Contact Information
Reporters can access NACS media contacts. Also, retailers are encouraged to provide feedback to help NACS address the issues of most concern to you.

Multimedia Features

MAPS & GRAPHICS

U.S. Gasoline Infrastructure (Interactive Map)
When events like hurricanes or refinery breakdowns occur in one region, there is a ripple effect throughout the rest of the country. See how supply and distribution flows in your region.

Where Does Your Fill-Up Go?

Boutique Fuel Requirements

Gasoline
Taxes by State

PIPELINES 101
The vast majority of the fuels distributed in the United State travels via pipelines. These interactive widgets show how the network of pipelines moves product. (Graphics provided courtesy of the American Petroleum Institute and Association of Oil Pipe Lines):

Pipeline Transport
A complex network of 200,000 miles of pipelines delivers crude oil from offshore platforms through to refineries and terminals and ultimately the end user, whether manufacturers, airports, the corner store or your home. Learn more.
Petroleum Products Batching
Dozens of different fuels travel through the same pipelines in a process known as "batching." Learn more..

VIDEO
The NACS "Getting Answers" videos address common consumer questions about fuels, while the "Future of Fuels" videos examine the factors that could affect the petroleum markets. Click on the appropriate tab to watch either video series.

Future of Fuels
Getting Answers

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