Gasoline RBOB Futures Hold Steady Amid Rising Refining Profitability

Refinery Output and Inventories

US refineries are maintaining high utilization rates to maximize distillate production, resulting in a byproduct surplus of gasoline. This oversupply is providing relief for consumers, with national retail averages likely to stay near $3.00.

Consumer Price Relief

Stable energy costs are acting as a deflationary force. Analysts expect retail gasoline to remain range-bound until the spring driving season begins to tighten the market in late Q1.