Premium Gasoline Consumers: It Pays to Shop for Ethanol

Press Contact: T.J. Page

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Premium Consumers Can Save Up to 25 Cents Per Gallon By Using Premium Gas Blended with 10 Percent Ethanol

JOHNSTON, IOWA –The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) noted today that Iowa motorists using premium gasoline can save up to 25 cents per gallon by choosing premium gasoline blended with 10 percent ethanol (E10).

An informal survey of gasoline retail locations in the greater Des Moines-area revealed that while 87-octane gasoline prices remain relatively uniform across several retail brands, the price a consumer pays for premium gasoline varies greatly depending on whether the retailer blends its premium gasoline with ethanol. In fact, the savings of ethanol are so great that consumers can pay approximately the same price for E10 premium gasoline as they would for 87-octane gasoline with no ethanol.

“Here at the IRFA, we support consumer fuel choice, and consumers can save 25 cents per gallon by shopping at retail locations that offer premium blended with 10 percent ethanol,” stated IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw. “Fuel blended with 10 percent ethanol is approved for use in all cars, trucks and off-road motors available today, and vehicles that carry a recommendation for premium gasoline use are no different. By simply shopping for ethanol blended premium gasoline, consumers can save a lot of money while supporting Iowa’s economy.”

The chart below and available here highlights the differences in premium prices between retail locations in the greater Des Moines-area. The prices are dated February 27, 2014. Pump photos are also included.

*Prices dated Thursday, February 27, 2014.

*Prices dated Thursday, February 27, 2014.

Iowa is the leader in renewable fuels production. Iowa has 42 ethanol refineries capable of producing over 3.8 billion gallons annually, with three cellulosic ethanol facilities currently under construction. In addition, Iowa has 12 biodiesel facilities with the capacity to produce nearly 315 million gallons annually.

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association was formed in 2002 to represent the state’s liquid renewable fuels industry. The trade group fosters the development and growth of the renewable fuels industry in Iowa through education, promotion, legislation and infrastructure development.