Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minutePC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Refinery capacity and imports affect how much gasoline reaches U.S. markets, but neither determines pump prices by itself. When refinery output falls and inventories or replacement supplies are limited, wholesale prices and refining margins can rise. Imports can help fill the gap, but only if suitable fuel is available and can be delivered in time. Crude oil, distribution and retail costs, and taxes also shape what drivers pay.
How refinery capacity affects gasoline supply
Refineries turn crude oil into gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and other products. Their capacity sets a ceiling on potential production; actual output depends on whether facilities are operating and how they are configured. Planned maintenance, accidents, severe weather, or other disruptions can reduce production. Refineries also have limited short-term flexibility to shift output among gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) describes production levels as a primary driver of petroleum product prices. But the price effect of lost output depends on the wider market: how much fuel demand requires, what inventories are available, and whether other suppliers can respond.
How do refinery outages affect gas prices?
An outage does not automatically produce a large or lasting increase at the pump. EIA’s analysis of historical outages found that they generally did not have a significant effect on monthly prices. That does not mean outages never matter: a substantial loss of production can add price pressure when demand is strong, inventories are low, and replacement fuel is hard to obtain.
#1 Best Overall
- Real-time monitoring: Gain peace of mind with the ability to monitor the liquid propane (LP) fuel levels in your tank in real-time. Stay informed about your fuel consumption and plan for deliveries accordingly, ensuring you never run out unexpectedly
- Convenient alerts: Receive convenient text and email notifications when the fuel level in your propane tank drops below a certain threshold. Stay on top of your fuel supply and eliminate the risk of running out during critical times
- Easy installation: The propane tank fuel level monitor is designed for easy installation on any LP tank equipped with a remote-ready (R3D) dial. A simple setup process completed from your phone or computer, monitor your tank level within minutes
- Mobile control: Take control with our integrated app from any Android/iOS device or computer. View your tank's fuel level, receive alerts, and keep track of your consumption. The device requires an annual subscription fee on the Mobile Link Gen App
- Reliable connectivity: The propane tank fuel level monitor features a reliable 4G LTE multi-carrier cellular connection. With automatic network switching capabilities, you can count on consistent and accurate tank level readings
Inventories can bridge a temporary shortfall. If stocks are ample, suppliers may draw them down while production recovers or replacement fuel arrives. If stocks are tight, buyers may compete more aggressively for available gasoline in anticipation that supply will not meet future needs.
A recent example illustrates why location matters. After a series of Midwest refinery outages in 2024, the region’s refinery utilization fell 11 percentage points from the week ending July 12 to August 9. Chicago’s average retail gasoline price was more than 20% above the national average during the three-week period from July 22 to August 5. This is a specific regional episode, not a typical or guaranteed effect of every outage.
Rank #2
- The Beckett Rocket is a wireless ultrasonic fuel level monitor complete kit which includes Receiver, Transmitter, 2inch NPT adapter, 2 mounting screws, and instructions.
- Provides visual and audible warning when oil is low
- Multiple receivers can be set up to receive from one transmitter
- The omni-directional transmitter allows the receiver(s) to be located anywhere within 150 ft of the transmitter.
How do gasoline imports affect prices?
Imports can supplement fuel made by U.S. refineries and help cushion a local production shortfall. EIA identifies imports as one of the factors affecting gasoline supply; the East Coast and West Coast rely on them to supplement local production.
Imports cannot be assumed to replace lost output immediately. Their effect depends on whether suitable gasoline is available, how quickly it can be shipped, whether transport routes and terminals can handle it, and whether other markets are also competing for supply. The relevant question is not simply whether the U.S. imports gasoline, but whether fuel can reach the affected market when it is needed.
Rank #3
- NO RECURRING FEES, ALL CELLULAR SERVICE INCLUDED - Enjoy hassle-free fuel and diesel tank monitoring with no monthly fees or contracts. The CentriConnect Fuel and Diesel Tank Monitor comes with all cellular services pre-installed and works with major US & Canada cellular service providers. No annual fees! Cellular coverage is included for the life of the product (10 years).
- NO WIFI OR BLUETOOTH REQUIRED - Monitor your fuel and diesel tank levels from anywhere in the US & Canada. The CentriConnect Tank Monitor connects to the cellular network and leverages all main cellular service providers in both US & Canada to provide consistent and accurate tank levels at all times. Eliminate the hassle of connectivity entirely with the CentriConnect Fuel and Diesel tank monitor.
- CONFIGURABLE ALERTS & NOTIFICATIONS - Receive immediate email alerts and push notifications when your tank reaches preset levels. Easily configure these settings through the CentriConnect mobile app.
- SOLAR CHARGING, NO BATTERIES REQUIRED - Eliminate the need for battery replacements. The CentriConnect Tank Monitor includes solar charging and features energy reserves that can last over 12 months in complete darkness. The CentriConnect Tank Monitor charges automatically in fully shaded areas, partially sunlit areas, and under 12 inches of snow cover.
- EASY & QUICK INSTALLATION - The CentriConnect Fuel and Diesel Tank Monitor installs in 3 minutes or less. Benefit from cellular connectivity, allowing for swift connection to the cellular network and immediate pairing capabilities with the CentriConnect App.
Why are gas prices different by region?
Gasoline prices can respond differently to the same crude-oil move or refinery event because regions differ in local refining, import access, inventories, transportation links, fuel requirements, demand, and taxes. The West Coast has fewer alternative sources of gasoline that meet its specifications, and EIA has documented significant price swings following regional outages there.
Seasonality also matters. Demand and gasoline formulations change over the year, affecting supply and costs. EIA’s historical data show that average U.S. retail regular gasoline prices in August were about 40 cents per gallon higher than in January over 2004–2023. That comparison reflects a combination of seasonal demand and formulation changes; it is not a forecast or a guaranteed annual increase.
Rank #4
- GM-recommended replacement part for your GM vehicle’s original factory component
- Offering the quality, reliability, and durability of GM OE
- Manufactured to GM OE specification for fit, form, and function
- International products have separate terms, are sold from abroad and may differ from local products, including fit, age ratings, and language of product, labeling or instructions
Why can gas prices rise when crude oil prices are stable?
The pump price includes more than crude oil. Refining margins, distribution costs, retail margins, and taxes also contribute. A refinery disruption can make finished gasoline scarcer and raise the wholesale price or refining margin even when crude prices are steady. Conversely, crude oil costs can push pump prices up while refinery operations remain stable.
A crack spread—the difference between the value of a refined product and the crude oil used to make it—is an indicator of refinery margins, not the full pump price or a guaranteed measure of a refinery’s net profit. In the third quarter of 2026, the quarterly average U.S. gasoline crack spread more than doubled its year-earlier level; EIA associated the elevated spread with tight global supply.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Best Value
- SELECT FLEX-FUEL APPLICATIONS: Ford Explorer 2001 4.0L V6; Ranger 1999-2003 3.0L V6; Taurus 1996-2003 3.0L V6; Mazda B3000 2000 3.0L V6; Mercury Mountaineer 2001 4.0L V6 or 5.0L V8; Sable 2001-2004 3.0L V6. For vehicles equipped with the matching flex-fuel sensor.
- OE / INTERCHANGE NUMBERS: YL5A9C044AA, YL5Z9C044BA, F6DF9C044AA, F6DZ9C044AA and F9DA9C044AA. Replacement references for the matching original fuel composition sensor.
- SPECIFICATIONS: Sensor type: flex fuel composition; color: silver; connector quantity: 1; connector shape: oblong; terminal quantity: 3; terminal type: blade; fuel ports: 2; mounting: ears.
- FUEL COMPOSITION MONITORING: Detects ethanol content in the fuel and sends electrical signal data to the ECM, supporting fuel-mixture and ignition adjustments on a compatible flex-fuel system.
- DIRECT-FIT DESIGN: The 3-pin connector, two fuel-line ports and mounting ears match the layout of the original sensor for straightforward replacement. Match the OE number, plug key and fuel-line connections before ordering.
What recent U.S. indicators show
These figures describe particular periods and should not be treated as permanent conditions or as measures for every region or fuel:
- Refinery utilization: EIA reported that average U.S. refinery utilization was 95% in the third quarter of 2026.
- Gasoline inventories: At the end of September 2026, U.S. gasoline inventories were 7% below the 2021–2025 five-year average.
- Gasoline crack spread: The third-quarter 2026 quarterly average was more than double its year-earlier level, with EIA citing tight global supply.
How to assess a price move in your area
When prices rise, look at several factors together rather than attributing the change to one refinery or to crude oil alone:
Quick Recap
- Crude oil: Has the cost of the main refinery input changed?
- Refinery output: Are utilization or outages reducing production in the region or its usual supply area?
- Replacement supply: Can imports or fuel from other regions reach local markets promptly?
- Inventories: Are stocks available to cover a temporary imbalance?
- Timing and fuel type: Is demand seasonal, or has a required gasoline formulation changed?
- Costs after refining: What are distribution, retail, and tax contributions in the location?
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
