First oxygenated gasoline season shakes out differently than expected

Journal Article · Mon Oct 25 04:00:00 EDT 1993 · Oil and Gas Journal; (United States)

OSTI ID:6037356

Dale, C ^[1]; Hackworth, J H; Shore, J M ^[2]; Ostrich, J ^[3]

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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), Journal Name: Oil and Gas Journal; (United States) Vol. 91:43; ISSN OIGJAV; ISSN 0030-1388
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020700* -- Petroleum-- Economics
Industrial
& Business Aspects
ADDITIVES
ALCOHOLS
ECONOMICS
ETHANOL
ETHERS
FORECASTING
FUEL ADDITIVES
FUELS
GASOLINE
HYDROXY COMPOUNDS
INDUSTRIAL PLANTS
LIQUID FUELS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
PETROLEUM REFINERIES
PRICES
SUPPLY AND DEMAND
TAX CREDITS