Released:  May 22, 2013
Next Release:  May 23, 2013

This week's TWIP feature article will be about the recent increases in retail motor gasoline prices in the Midwest. The article will be available mid-afternoon on Thursday, May 23.

Gasoline and diesel fuel prices increase again
The U.S. average retail price of regular gasoline increased seven cents for the second consecutive week, to $3.67 per gallon as of May 20, 2013, down four cents from last year at this time. The largest increase came in the Midwest, where the price increased 19 cents to $3.87 per gallon. The Rocky Mountain price rose 11 cents to $3.67 per gallon. The Gulf Coast price is now $3.39 per gallon, an increase of three cents. On the West Coast, the price is up a penny to $3.95 per gallon. Rounding out the regions, the East Coast price increased one cent to $3.49 per gallon.

The national average diesel fuel price increased two cents for the second consecutive week, to $3.89 per gallon, seven cents lower than last year at this time. The Gulf and West Coast prices both increased four cents, to $3.78 per gallon and $4.01 per gallon, respectively. The Midwest and Rocky Mountain prices are both up three cents, to $3.93 per gallon and $3.85 per gallon, respectively. Rounding out the regions, the East Coast price is $3.87 per gallon, up a penny from last week.

Propane inventories gain
Total U.S. inventories of propane increased 2.2 million barrels last week to end at 44.0 million barrels, but are 10.0 million barrels (18.6 percent) lower than the same period a year ago. The Midwest and Gulf Coast regions led the gain by rising 1.0 million barrels each, while Rocky Mountain/West Coast and East Coast inventories each increased by just 0.1 million barrels. Propylene non-fuel-use inventories represented 7.9 percent of total propane inventories.

Text from the previous editions of This Week In Petroleum is accessible through a link at the top right-hand corner of this page.