Why is it that gas prices always go up in the summer time?

[Brutuskend]

When it seems to make more sense for it to go up in the winter?

Why?

Gas is sold by volume, not weight. As the temp. rises gas expands so if you buy gas on a hot day, you end up getting less than if you bought it on a cold day.

 

[keeleysam]

It's one of the oil companie's scams for your money.

 

[jagec]

You just explained it yourself. When things get hot, they get less dense and rise. That's why the sun is at the highest point at noon. And it's the same for gas prices...they're highest at the hottest time of year.

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

How much of a difference will the change in density make when filling up a tank of say 15 gallons?

 

[Brutuskend]

Originally posted by: AgaBoogaBoo
How much of a difference will the change in density make when filling up a tank of say 15 gallons?

I think that would depend on how hot of a day it is...

 

[MX2]

Plain and simple...they know its travel time for consumers

 

[charrison]

Originally posted by: Brutuskend
When it seems to make more sense for it to go up in the winter?

Why?

Gas is sold by volume, not weight. As the temp. rises gas expands so if you buy gas on a hot day, you end up getting less than if you bought it on a cold day.

People drive more in the summer, hence more demand....

 

[Pepsi90919]

Originally posted by: Brutuskend
When it seems to make more sense for it to go up in the winter?

Why?

Gas is sold by volume, not weight. As the temp. rises gas expands so if you buy gas on a hot day, you end up getting less than if you bought it on a cold day.

gas tanks are stored several feet underground. who cares what it's doing outside.

 

[Pabster]

Originally posted by: charrison
People drive more in the summer, hence more demand....

:thumbsup:

 

[funboy6942]

Originally posted by: MX2times
Plain and simple...they know its travel time for consumers

Exactly.

 

[xSauronx]

Originally posted by: jagec
You just explained it yourself. When things get hot, they get less dense and rise. That's why the sun is at the highest point at noon.

wtf? :laugh:

 

[Babbles]

supply . . . demand. . . Economics 101

 

[Phoenix86]

Originally posted by: Babbles
supply . . . demand. . . Economics 101

OMG, winner. Increase demand in summer due to increased driving (several factors), unchanged supply=increase price. Econ101 folks.

Add to that the fact that in the summer the "blends" of gas get more expensive due to environmental regs. This generally causes a decrease in supply for a short period, adding further to the increase in price.

But don't let facts get in the way of the conspiracy theories.