The Cheep! Gas Blog
Spend less at the pump.
Straight-talking guides on how gas pricing really works and how to pay less for every fill-up.
How Are Gas Prices Actually Set?
Gasoline prices are primarily determined by four major components: the cost of crude oil, refining costs, federal and state taxes, and marketing/distribution (station margins). Crude oil is consistently the largest factor, followed by refining and taxes, with station margins typically being the…
Is It Worth Driving Farther for Cheaper Gas?
Driving farther for cheaper gas is rarely worth the total cost, especially for small savings or long detours. The true cost of a fill-up includes not only the pump price but also the fuel and time spent driving to and from the station. For most drivers, the few cents saved per gallon are quickly…