All articles tagged with #fuel
Scientists have developed a new, more efficient method of converting plastic waste into fuel using pyrolysis, a process that heats plastic to high temperatures without oxygen. This breakthrough could potentially turn the massive plastic pollution problem into a nearly endless energy source, though concerns about its energy consumption and environmental impact remain.
Ethanol has been used in gasoline for over a century, primarily to boost octane and reduce emissions, but its benefits and drawbacks are debated. While it can improve engine performance and environmental impact when used in small amounts, higher concentrations like E85 can cause engine issues, especially in older vehicles. Most modern cars are designed to run on a 10% ethanol blend, but the overall environmental and economic impacts of ethanol fuel remain contentious.
Costco is expanding into the gasoline business by building its first stand-alone fuel-only station in Mission Viejo, California, featuring 40 pumps exclusively for members, with construction starting in fall 2025 and opening planned for spring 2026. The company is also increasing fuel station hours and offering early shopping privileges to executive members.
Gas prices in the US have risen nearly 6.5% in the past month, with the average price per gallon at $3.61. The increase is attributed to the transition from winter to summer blend gas, leading to higher demand as well as potential impact from hurricane season. States such as Indiana, Arizona, and California have seen the biggest increases, while California, Hawaii, and Washington currently have the highest gas prices. However, prices are expected to decrease by 10 to 20 cents as the year progresses, particularly as the demand for gas decreases in the cooler months.
A New Jersey gas station in Camden has been shut down for the second time in two months after contaminated fuel caused multiple motorists to break down. The contamination is believed to be a result of heavy rainfall seeping into underground storage tanks. As many as 16 drivers have reported being impacted, and the station will remain closed until it satisfies city, county, and state requirements, including paying fines and passing additional inspections. The gas station owner and operator are under investigation, and fines totaling $25,000 have already been issued for the previous incident.
Drivers shared the dumbest car myths, including the belief in a secret 100+ MPG carburetor, the idea that +2 seats lower insurance rates, and the myth that wearing a seatbelt can trap you in a crash. Other myths include the idea that different gas companies have distinct fuel refining processes, the belief that driving barefoot is illegal, and the misconception that big trucks indicate small genitalia. Additionally, there are myths about electric vehicles being less green and worse for the environment due to power plant emissions and battery manufacturing, as well as the belief that warming up a car before driving is necessary and that engine braking causes wear.
Gas prices in Florida have reached a new two-year low, with the average price per gallon at $2.86, the lowest since June 2021. AAA reports that 88% of gas stations in Florida have prices below $3 per gallon, and 33% have prices below $2.75 per gallon. The Tampa Bay and Orlando areas have some of the cheapest gas prices, averaging $2.73 per gallon. Strong domestic gasoline supplies and low oil prices have contributed to the decline, and while a modest increase is possible, AAA expects gas prices to remain low during the holiday season.
While inflation remains a concern in certain areas such as rents, restaurants, and auto insurance, there are several commodities and goods that have actually become cheaper. Fuel prices have dropped by about 25%, gas prices at the pump are down by 10%, and utility gas service is 10% cheaper. Eggs have seen a significant price drop of 22% since November of last year. Major appliances, laundry equipment, and television prices have also decreased by around 10%. Additionally, car rentals are 10% cheaper, airline fares are 12% lower, and health insurance prices were down 30% during open enrollment. However, overall consumer prices rose by just 0.1% from October to November, and inflation remains above the Federal Reserve's 2% target.
Under pressure from the United States, the Israeli cabinet has approved the entry of more fuel into the Gaza Strip. The Israeli Defense Ministry is also promoting a law amendment to raise the age of exemption from reserves by one year to prevent the release of reservists currently fighting in Gaza. Belgium has announced a ban on extremist settlers from entering the country, and a 16-year-old was shot dead by IDF forces in the West Bank. The U.S. National Security Advisor to the Vice President, Dr. Phil Gordon, traveled to Ramallah to update Palestinian officials on the Israel-Hamas conflict and discuss post-fighting efforts in Gaza. The European Union is considering toughening sanctions on Hamas and Israeli settlers responsible for violence in the West Bank.
Gasoline prices in the United States vary from state to state, with Texas having the lowest average price per gallon and California having the highest. GasBuddy analysis shows that Monday is the cheapest day to buy gasoline in 17 states, while Thursdays tend to be the most expensive. Gas prices differ due to factors such as regional access to refineries, topographical barriers, and governmental policies and taxes. The 10 states with the cheapest gasoline include Texas, Oklahoma, and Mississippi, while California, Hawaii, and Washington have the highest prices.
Egypt has announced that during the four-day truce between Israel and Hamas, 130,000 liters of diesel and four trucks of gas will be delivered daily to Gaza, along with 200 trucks of aid. The truce is set to begin on Friday at 7 a.m. local time.
Gas prices have hit their lowest levels since 2020, with the national average at $3.27 a gallon on Thanksgiving Day, according to AAA. The decline in prices is attributed to weakening oil prices and flattening demand for gasoline. GasBuddy predicts that gas prices could continue to fall through the holiday season, potentially reaching their lowest levels since 2021 by Christmas. Despite lower national prices, there are significant variations in fuel costs across states, with some states seeing prices below $3 a gallon and others still above $4. Despite the drop, fuel prices remain higher than earlier this year, when they peaked at over $3.80 a gallon.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing opposition from far-right members of his government over his decision to send limited amounts of fuel into Gaza before securing the release of hostages held by Hamas. Netanyahu agreed to send about two trucks of fuel per day to prevent a collapse of the sewer system and further humanitarian crises. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich criticized the move, calling it a "grave mistake." The debate centers around whether providing fuel to Gaza without securing the release of hostages is a humanitarian gesture or a sign of weakness. Thousands of family members and supporters of the hostages held a protest in Jerusalem, urging the government to bring their loved ones home. Netanyahu promised to meet with the families and address their concerns.
Gasoline prices in the United States have dropped below $3 per gallon in 11 states, with falling seasonal demand and the use of less-expensive winter-grade gas contributing to the decline. The states with average pump prices just under $3 per gallon include Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. The national average for gasoline currently sits at $3.36, compared to $3.78 one year ago. Gasoline consumption is expected to decrease next year due to remote work, improved fuel efficiency, and high inflation. Despite volatility in the oil markets, gasoline prices have remained flat or fallen since mid-September.
The head of the IDF, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, stated that Israel could allow fuel to enter the Gaza Strip to address the imminent fuel shortage in hospitals, but this was immediately denied by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office. Israel has not allowed any fuel shipments into Gaza since the start of the war, accusing Hamas of stealing and hoarding fuel for terror purposes. However, there is growing pressure to allow fuel in as the humanitarian crisis deepens. The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, is expected to push for the expansion of humanitarian aid during his visit to Israel.