Fuels Resource Center

Fueling up is so easy and so convenient that just about every one of the nearly 40 million Americans who fill up every day don’t think twice about it, unless things aren’t as easy or convenient. We give you an insider’s view at how fuel is produced, refined and ultimately sold at convenience stores across the United States. And, we look at some of the issues that could affect an otherwise easy and convenient fill up.

Latest News

June 5, 2020

NEW

Coalition Urges Support EV Charging Private Investment

NACS joined NATSO and other groups to urge Congress to consider private sector investment for EV charging solutions.

June 3, 2020

NEW

More People Drive as Gas Prices Stay Low

Meanwhile, Ford still sees a bright future for electric vehicles.

June 3, 2020

NEW

Switching to EMV the Easy Way

This week’s Convenience Matters podcast helps retailers figure out how to do EMV upgrades.

May 28, 2020

The Fizz in Soda, Beer Costs More These Days

Because people have been driving less, the nation’s supply of carbon dioxide has dropped.

View All Fuels News

Contact

If you have a question about the retail fuels industry that you would like answered, contact:

Jeff Lenard
VP, Strategic Industry Initiatives
(703) 518-4272
jlenard@convenience.org

Paige Anderson
Director, Government Relations
(703) 518-4221
panderson@convenience.org

The Fuels Institute is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to evaluating issues affecting the vehicles and fuels markets. The organization commissions comprehensive, fact-based research projects that are designed to answer questions, not advocate a specific outcome. Its reports address the interests of industry stakeholders - from business owners making long-term investment decisions to policymakers considering legislation and regulations that affect these markets.

Fuels Market News, published by NACS, is the downstream petroleum industry’s trusted source for fuels-related news and information, covering the fuels of today and tomorrow. Encompassing a content-rich online news website, weekly e-newsletters and an event-focused print magazine, Fuels Market News covers all things related to the fuels industry—from refinery supply to terminal and bulk plant storage to transportation via pipeline, barge, rail and truck, to wholesale distribution and retail marketing.

Consumer Insights

The 2020 NACS Consumer Fuels Survey
Four insights shed light on how fuel retailers can further delight customers in 2020. (Source: NACS Magazine, March 2020)

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9 Habits of Gas-Buying Customers
A new NACS report reveals 9 habits that gas-buying customers are likely displaying at the nearly 122,000 convenience stores in the United States that sell fuel.

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C-Stores Keep Drivers Fueled
Convenience stores sell nearly 80% of the gasoline purchased in the U.S., and gasoline is currently the fuel of choice for nearly 40 million U.S. drivers who fill up every day.

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Consumer Behavior at the Pump
NACS consumer surveys reveal how, when and where customers buy gas at U.S. convenience stores.

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High Five
Five insights shed light on how fuel retailers can further delight customers in 2019.

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Three Insights on Frequent C-Store Customers
Frequent customer trips and transactions are vital to the success and profitability of the U.S. convenience and fuel retailing industry.

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What Consumers Think About Gas Prices
Insights from NACS Consumer Fuels Surveys on consumer perceptions related to gas prices and the economy overall.

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Fuel Prices

Changing Seasons, Changing Gas Prices
Refinery maintenance, production of summer-blend fuels and consumer demand can affect gasoline prices in the springtime.

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Why Gas Prices Vary Around the Country or the Corner
Gas prices often vary from state to state or town to town because of three main reasons: taxes, fuel blends and margins.

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The Price Per Gallon
No matter who owns the station, retail fuels prices are ultimately determined by four sets of costs: crude oil, taxes, refining costs and distribution and marketing.

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What Is Octane?
A primer on octane’s role in fuel and its impact on vehicles.

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Key Facts About Diesel
Why diesel historically costs more than gasoline and other takeaways about the diesel fuel and vehicles market.

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Why Gas Is Priced Using Fractions of a Penny
Gas prices that end in 9/10th of a cent are standard practice today. It’s a practice that has its roots in the 1930s.

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Electric Vehicles

Jump Start
What will it take to accelerate electrification and EV growth?(Source: NACS Magazine, August 2019)

8 min read

Charging Back
Fuel retailers investing in an EV infrastructure seek a level playing field with utility companies when it comes to reselling electricity. (Source: NACS Magazine, January 2019)

8 min read

Retail Operations

Convenience Stores Fuel America
A snapshot of facts and stats about the U.S. convenience and fuel retailing industry.

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How Branded Stations Operate
The convenience store selling a specific fuel brand is often owned and operated by an independent operator.

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Selling America’s Fuel
Convenience stores sell 80% of the gasoline purchased in the United States.

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Disaster Response & Recovery

How Refineries and Pipelines Resume Operations
In the wake of an emergency or natural disaster, resuming operations at a refinery and pushing product through the pipeline is complex.

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What UST Owners Can Do After a Flood
EPA resources cite best practices for helping underground storage tank owners and operators safely bring UST systems back into service.

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When Mother Nature Strikes
Convenience stores do much more than sell daily essentials and an estimated 80% of the fuels purchased in the United States — they also play a critical role before and after a natural disaster like a hurricane strikes.

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Statistics and Historical Context

The U.S. Petroleum Industry: Statistics, Definitions
Current information about motor fuels demand, supply, refining, distribution and retail operations.

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The Innovation That Forever Changed Fueling
A dozen or so customers probably didn't realize that what they were able to do at the pump one day in June 1964 would forever reshape fueling and impact other retail channels.

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The History of Fuels Retailing
The first purpose-built, drive-up gas station made its debut over 100 years ago which is one of many significant events and innovations that have shaped the fuels retailing industry.

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Retail Fueling in Pictures
A look at some of the biggest moments in fuels retailing history.

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The History of Self-Fueling
While not an immediate success, self-service gas stations have changed the convenience store industry forever.

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