Gasoline Retail Prices Expected to Peak in April Amid Refining Bottlenecks

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The Refining Squeeze

Planned turnarounds at major US refineries have significantly reduced gasoline output. This supply bottleneck is decoupling wholesale prices from the broader crude complex, leading to higher crack spreads.

Summer Blending Transition

Refiners are currently prioritizing summer-grade blending. The EPA's temporary RVP waivers remain in effect, providing some relief by unlocking a larger pool of blendstocks.