Fuel Expenses

Fuel costs have been on the rise in the United States. Rising prices have made mass transit a more economical and practical means of transportation. Fuel economy varies greatly depending on the vehicle. Pickups and sport utility vehicles commonly get 12-20 MPG, compact cars can get 30-40 MPG, and hybrids can get 50-70 MPG. Note: In other countries fuel economy is calculated in L/100 km. Gasoline prices are set by crude oil prices (priced by the barrel), supply and demand, refinery production, octane rating, and specific regional formulation. Crude oil goes through a distillation process at a refinery to make gasoline and other products. There are 42 gallons (159 L) of crude oil in one barrel. According to the American Petroleum Institute (API), one barrel of crude oil can make about 19.4 gallons (73.44 L) of gasoline, 9.7 gallons (36.72 L) of fuel oil, and smaller quantities of other products. The price per gallon of gasoline also includes federal and state taxes. Note: 1 gallon = 3.785 L