Usage and pricing
Gasoline usage and pricing
In 2003 The United States of America consumed 476,474,000,000 litres per year
(476.474 gigalitres) or about 360 million US liquid gallons (1.36 gigalitres) of
gasoline each day. Western countries have among the highest usage rates per
person. Some countries, e.g. in Europe and Japan, impose heavy fuel taxes on
fuels such as gasoline. Because a greater proportion of the price of gasoline in
the United States is due to the cost of oil, rather than taxes, the price of the
retail product is subject to greater fluctuations (vs. outside the U.S.) when
calculated as a percentage of cost-per-unit, but is actually less variable in
absolute terms.
Stability
When gasoline is left for a certain period of time, gums and varnishes may build
up and precipitate in the gasoline, causing "stale fuel." This will cause gums
to build up in the cylinders and also the fuel lines, making it harder to start
the engine. Gums and varnishes should be removed by a professional to extend
engine life. Motor gasoline may be stored up to 60 days in an approved
container. If it is to be stored for a longer period of time, a fuel stabilizer
may be used. This will extend the life of the fuel to about 1-2 years, and keep
it fresh for the next uses. Fuel stabilizer is commonly used for small engines
such as lawnmower and tractor engines to promote quicker and more reliable
starting.
