Frequently Asked Questions
What are the differences between various types of crude oil prices?
Crude oils vary in price because they vary in quality. Other factors — the makeup of the oil or its market penetration — can also influence price. West Texas Intermediate and Brent Blend are two crude oils that are either traded themselves or whose prices affect other types of crude oil. The press and analysts often refer to the following crude oil prices: West Texas Intermediate, Brent Blend, Imported Refiner Acquisition Cost (IRAC), OPEC Basket, and the NYMEX futures.
Learn more:
Definition of various types of crude oil prices
Pricing differences among various types of crude oil — Spot Prices, Futures Prices, Refiner Acquisition Cost
Last updated: January 18, 2013
Other FAQs about Prices
- Are the prices that EIA publishes adjusted for inflation?
- Does EIA have city or county-level energy consumption and price data?
- Does EIA have energy prices for countries?
- Does EIA have ethanol price data?
- Does EIA have gasoline prices by city, county, or zip code?
- Does EIA publish coking coal prices?
- Does EIA publish electric utility rate, tariff, and demand charge data?
- Does EIA publish off-road diesel fuel prices?
- How do I calculate diesel fuel surcharges?
- How do I compare heating fuels?
- How much does it cost to generate electricity with different types of power plants?
- How much does it cost to produce crude oil and natural gas?
- What was the highest U.S. average retail price of regular gasoline?
- What's up (and down) with gasoline prices?
- Where can I find inflation-adjusted gasoline prices?
- Where can I find out about energy-related grants or tax credits for my home or business?
- Where can I get help paying my utility bills?
- Who do I contact to complain about high energy prices?
- Why am I being charged more for propane than the price on EIA's website?
- Why are the retail pump prices for gasoline and diesel fuel in increments of 0.9 cents?
- Why don't fuel prices change as quickly as crude oil prices?
- Why has diesel fuel been more expensive than gasoline?
- Why is the United States exporting gasoline when prices are so high?
- How much tax do we pay on a gallon of gasoline and diesel fuel?
- What are the differences between various types of crude oil prices?
- What are the different coal prices published by EIA?
- What can I expect to pay for heating this winter?
- What do I pay for in a gallon of regular gasoline?
- What is the outlook for gasoline prices for 2013 and for 2014?
- What is the outlook for home heating fuel prices this winter?