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Title: First oxygenated gasoline season shakes out differently than expected

Journal Article · · Oil and Gas Journal; (United States)
OSTI ID:6037356
 [1]; ;  [2];  [3]
  1. Energy Information Administration, Washington, DC (United States)
  2. OnLocation Inc., McLean, VA (United States)
  3. SAIC Inc., McLean, VA (United States)

The U.S.'s first oxygenated gasoline season began Nov. 1, 1992. Refiners and marketers achieved compliance with these new specs with little upset to the gasoline production and distribution system. But although the season went smoothly, it did not shake out exactly as projected. Demand for oxygenated gasoline and, in particular, methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE), was lower than expected. Prior to the season, refiners were concerned that oxygenates might be in short supply. No supply shortages developed, however, and prices of both oxygenates and gasoline decreased during the season. The paper discusses gasoline demand, administration of the oxygenated gasoline program, spillover, reduced demand, ethanol, oxygenate supply, prices, ethanol tax credit, refinery economics, and the outlook for next season.

OSTI ID:
6037356
Journal Information:
Oil and Gas Journal; (United States), Vol. 91:43; ISSN 0030-1388
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English