A todo el mundo le encanta hablar del «precio en el surtidor» cuando se trata de gasolina y gasóleo. Al fin y al cabo, entre el repostaje de los vehículos particulares y el de los vehículos necesarios para el desarrollo de la actividad empresarial, este precio puede tener un impacto significativo en el coste de los productos y servicios, independientemente del sector. Pero, ¿qué determina el precio de la gasolina y el gasóleo? En la asignatura de Economía 101 aprendimos que la interacción entre la oferta y la demanda en el mercado determina los precios de las materias primas. Pero, ¿qué es lo que realmente influye en el precio en el surtidor?

Principales factores que afectan al precio del gas

Four main factors determine the price of fuel: crude oil prices, the cost of refining, distribution & marketing, and taxes. The supply of crude oil is by far the most significant variable, comprising over 40% of the costs for diesel and over 50% of gasoline{1}. The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, better known as OPEC, has tremendous influence over the global supply of oil. This is because OPEC controls about 80% of the world's oil reserves{2]. However, as recent events show, other non-OPEC producers like Russia can affect the supply.

Refining

Refining is the process that converts crude oil into gasoline, diesel, and other oil derivatives. This determines roughly 20% - 25% of the price of gasoline. Refining costs will vary depending on the product, e.g., low-sulfur highway diesel, ethanol-blended summer formulations, additives, etc. Distribution and marketing (10% - 20%) involve transporting the finished products from the refineries to the regional and local distribution points throughout the country via pipelines, railcars, and trucks. Taxes make up the remaining 12% to 14%.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the price at the pump, or how much you pay to fill up your car or truck, is determined primarily by the global supply and demand for crude oil. However, how far away you are from a refinery and the state you live in (Pennsylvania has the highest gas tax at $0.57/gallon, Alaska has the lowest at $0.08/gallon){3} will also have a significant impact.

FUENTES:

1 - https://www.eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/
2 - https://www.opec.org/opec_web/en/data_graphs/330.htm
3 - https://www.forbes.com/sites/dereksaul/2022/06/22/estos-estados-tienen-los-impuestos-sobre-la-gasolina-más-altos-y-más-bajos-mientras-Biden-impulsa-una-moratoria-fiscal/?sh=7dec0d5b2e06